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FC Koeln

FC Koeln news

Said El Mala Koln 10292025

Brighton chase Koln star El Mala

Brighton are intensifying their efforts to sign Koln sensation Said El Mala, but the Seagulls face stiff competition from domestic rivals. Following a change in the 19-year-old's representation, several top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City, have entered the race but Brighton are reportedly preparing a record-breaking offer after having previous bids rejected by the German side.

1. FC Köln v VfL Wolfsburg - Bundesliga

Brighton launch third bid for breakthrough Bundesliga star

Brighton are refusing to take no for an answer in their pursuit of Koln sensation Said El Mala. The Seagulls, ever the masters of identifying Europe’s most exciting young talent, have lodged a fresh formal offer for the 19-year-old winger. Despite the Bundesliga side’s previous reluctance to sell, Fabian Hurzeler’s side is pushing harder than ever to secure the teenager's signature before his value spirals out of reach.

Said El Mala NXGN GFX

Have Germany found their new Podolski in Bayern-linked teen?

Florian Wirtz's £100 million ($130m) move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool didn't just upset Bayern Munich. It also hit hard at Koln. After all, Wirtz had come through their academy only to leave for Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 - and for a paltry €300,000 (£265,000/$350,000). Koln were furious. They felt Leverkusen had broken a 'gentleman's agreement' by signing one of the most exciting young players they'd ever produced - but there was nothing they could do about it. Wirtz's contract was expiring and he wanted to leave.

Frequently asked questions

You must be a club member to purchase an official ticket through the club to see Manchester City play at the Etihad Stadium.

There are two types of Cityzens memberships  – Matchday Membership, for adults (ages 18 and above) between £25 and £35, and Junior Membership, for youth supporters (ages 17 and below) at £20.

Memberships offer fans a range of benefits, from priority access to tickets to a discount in the club shop.

Adult

  • Full Price: £35
  • Base Membership: £25

Junior

  • Full Price: £20

To buy a Manchester City season ticket, you must first be a Cityzens Matchday or Junior Member, as season tickets are not sold to the general public. However, season tickets for the 2025/26 season are currently sold out, and only a limited number of Flexi Season Tickets were offered to eligible members based on their match attendance history and purchase activity. 

Renewals for existing ticket holders have closed, and new tickets will not be widely available until at least the 2026/27 season, when the Etihad Stadium expansion is expected to release more seats.

To prepare for future availability, you should purchase a Cityzens Matchday Membership through the official Manchester City website and attend as many home games as possible. Priority for season tickets is based on loyalty and attendance, so building your history now increases your chances. 

Flexi Season Tickets, which offer a more flexible commitment while still providing benefits, are another route, but also subject to eligibility.

Due to high demand, getting your hands on Premier League tickets for Manchester City matches is not easy, though it is typically not as tough as it is for their rivals.

Unsurprisingly, that can lead many fans to head to secondary resale sites such as StubHub in their efforts to bag tickets, though even then, it is not a foregone conclusion.

The best way to get tickets for Manchester City matches is to ensure you have a membership and browse the individual match options available. Remember, games against lower Premier League opposition or non-rivals will likely be easier to find.

The best way to buy cheap Manchester City tickets is from the club's official website, looking for tickets in the more cost-friendly portions of the Etihad Stadium.

Second-hand resale sites such as StubHub and Ticombo may also offer cheap tickets at short notice, with prices likely at their lowest the closer you get to the game.

You can indeed book a tour around the Etihad Stadium. Several websites offer deals and discounts on tours around the Citizens' home.

RedLetterDays currently offer stadium tours from £28 for one adult through £72 for two adults and two children. The time lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes an interactive portion that allows guests to greet a virtual Pep Guardiola in the press room and access the club shop.