- Koln set £45m price for Newcastle United target El Mala
- Chelsea & Brighton also linked with forward
- Previous Magpies approach turned down
Newcastle United, Chelsea and Brighton have been told a deal for Said El Mala will likely cost upwards of £45m, with Koln reportedly standing firm on their valuation.
The 19-year-old has been the subject of mass interest from Premier League clubs in recent days. Newcastle United have reportedly already had a proposal turned down from the player’s representatives.
It is thought El Mala would prefer a move to Brighton at present but the Seagulls are currently unwilling to pay the fee demanded from the German club.
El Mala attracting interest
Said El Mala has had a standout season for Koln. This is his first for the club and his first in Germany’s top division.
The German winger has accumulated a very solid tally of 10 goals and three assists in a campaign that has seen Köln battle bravely against relegation throughout.
Former Köln gaffer Lukas Kwasniok spoke out on the transfer saga unfolding for El Mala all the way back in October. He said: “We’re just proud that the club signed him at the right moment. We know he probably won’t play here for the next 15 years.
“Someday, he’ll be sold for an incredible fee. And that’s okay. But I have the feeling that right now he carries FC Köln close to his heart and is enjoying his time here – and so are we.”
Granted the saga may have begun a few years earlier than he expected. But it is a testament to the exceptional quality El Mala has shown that so many clubs across Europe are vying for his signature.
Newcastle United snubbed, Brighton in hot seat
Reports yesterday suggested that Newcastle United have already made a proposal to El Mala’s camp.
The consensus among the media is that El Mala made it clear that Tyneside is not his first choice destination this summer. Instead, El Mala’s family, who represent him, believe that Brighton is the best destination for him next summer.
The Seagulls have a track record in developing young talent. Alongside having a young German coach in Fabian Hurzeler, it is no surprise they are the front runners.
There has also been some interest from Chelsea circulated. The London club could emerge as a top suitor for El Mala, given they will have no qualms about paying the £45m price tag.
Why not Newcastle?
From the 19-year-old’s point of view, it makes complete sense to not choose Newcastle.
Eddie Howe has shown his reluctance in throwing youngsters into the firing line so far this season. Moving to Newcastle could see El Mala lose a starting spot and become a bit-part player, which could be disastrous for his development.
With the shift in focus to a younger core, we could still see the German be convinced that the project will allow him to progress.
But at the present moment, it would appear Newcastle are definitely playing second fiddle to Brighton in the race to sign El Mala this summer.
In other news, Newcastle United loanee turns in ‘peachy’ 8/10 performance ahead of imminent transfer.
