Could Bayern Munich still secure a chance? A surprising twist has emerged in the transfer saga surrounding Said El Mala

Reports had indicated that El Mala, his brother Malek, his parents and Brighton had reached a verbal agreement over a summer move. However, the club currently sixth in the Premier League ultimately declined to meet 1. FC Köln’s transfer fee demands. 

A final bid of €35 million failed to meet the club’s valuation, causing the move to collapse. According to the Cologne regional newspaper, the Bundesliga side was holding out for a €50 million fee—a sum that would make El Mala the club’s record sale. That record is currently held by Anthony Modeste, who fetched €29 million when he joined TJ Tianhai in 2018.

Despite the setback, at least two clubs remain undeterred by Cologne’s valuation: Chelsea FC and Newcastle United are said to be closely monitoring the situation, while Bayern Munich continue to lurk in the background.

Bayern Munich are known to be seeking a left-wing option to challenge Luis Díaz. The club have been strongly linked with Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who is said to be open to a move to Munich, with talks already underway between his representatives and Bayern’s hierarchy. 

The appeal of Gordon lies in his versatility: he would not only challenge Díaz but also ease the burden on Harry Kane by operating in the No. 10 role behind the striker. By contrast, the fee for El Mala would be significantly lower. 

Newcastle are reportedly holding out for at least €80 million, partly because Gordon is under contract until 2030—a fee the Bavarians are loath to pay for a single player. According to Sky, Bayern also view Cologne’s asking price for El Mala as too high and are exploring other options.

According to the Stadt-Anzeiger, El Mala met with Cologne’s management after Brighton’s rejection to review the latest developments. The club now wants to offer the El Mala family—who are currently handling the brothers’ future on their own—the services of respected CAA Stellar agent Thies Bliemeister. 

CAA Stellar regularly handles high-profile transfers involving clients such as Fermin López, Omar Marmoush, Eduardo Camavinga and Jack Grealish, suggesting the agency is well equipped to manage a deal of this magnitude.