Chelsea join Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in race to sign Bundesliga teenager in red hot form

El Mala, who signed a long-term deal with Koln until 2030, has become one of the most talked-about young players in Europe. His pace and dribbling skills have made him a standout player on the Koln side. Scouts from England have been monitoring him closely, and Absolute Fussball reports that Chelsea are the latest club to show interest. Earlier, reports confirmed that Bayern Munich and Dortmund are also eyeing to sign the 19-year-old next summer. 

While European giants are eyeing to sign the German winger, Koln want to keep hold of their young star. Last summer, they rejected a written €14 million offer from Brighton, which was verbally raised to €20m (£17m/$23m). According to Bild, the club might only consider bids around €50 million (£44m/$58m) range if El Mala continues to impress. With no release clause in his deal, the Bundesliga club are in full control and wants to take full advantage of his growing value.

Signed from Viktoria Koln in 2024, El Mala spent last season on loan back at his old club, scoring 13 goals in 32 appearances. Returning to Koln this year, he immediately impressed on the Bundesliga stage. His stunning solo goal against Hoffenheim and earlier strike versus Freiburg have made him one of the league’s most exciting young wingers. 

With no release clause and rising interest from top clubs, El Mala is expected to be one of the biggest names in next summer’s transfer window. If he keeps performing like this, Koln will soon have to decide whether to cash in or hold on to their young rising star. For now, the young German winger’s focus remains on helping Koln climb the Bundesliga table, where they sit sixth with three wins from six games.