Chelsea have launched a £39m bid for Köln sensation Said El Mala and they’re trying to sign his brother too .
The Blues have “communicated an offer” to the Bundesliga club for the 19 year old left winger, according to German outlet Kölner Stadt Anzeiger . The deal would include bonuses and a £4.3m annual salary for the player .
But here’s the twist: Chelsea also want Malek El Mala, Said’s brother, to join their Under 21s setup as part of the package .
THE EL MALA FILE
Born in Krefeld in 2006, El Mala has burst onto the scene this season with nine goals and four assists in just over 1,300 Bundesliga minutes . Standing at 187cm , he’s not your typical tricky winger, he’s a physical specimen who combines pace, power and technical ability.
The numbers are eye catching: seven league goals from 20 appearances according to Bundesliga’s official site , with 34.96 km/h top speed and 118 tackles won . He’s averaging 0.71 goals per 90 minutes this season, elite numbers for a teenager in his debut top flight campaign.
THE SCOUTING VERDICT
“I think everybody knows that I am a street footballer,” El Mala told the Bundesliga website. “I receive the ball and start dribbling. It’s fun. I don’t know what I’m going to do with the ball before I receive it, I just freestyle” .
Scouts rave about his technical gifts. The Scouting App describes him as “a technically gifted player, with excellent ball control and the ability to operate naturally in tight spaces” . His “high level first touch, strong dribbling skills and the ability to beat defenders” mark him out as a special talent .
He’s comfortable on both feet , can play across the left flank or as an attacking midfielder , and has already attracted interest from Julian Nagelsmann for the German national team .
THE KOln CONNECTION
Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok is realistic about the teenager’s future: “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 Koln close to his heart and is enjoying his time here and so are we” .
THE CHELSEA PLAN
Here’s the complication: Chelsea’s multi club model means El Mala could end up at Strasbourg rather than Stamford Bridge . Left wing is crowded at Chelsea Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Mykhailo Mudryk, so a loan to the French side might make sense.
But the fact Chelsea are moving now, before the window even opens, shows they’re serious. Brighton have also been linked with a €35m bid , but Chelsea’s offer is on the table.
THE VERDICT
Nineteen years old. Nine goals in the Bundesliga. Both footed, physical, direct, and already on the national team radar. El Mala is the real deal.
£39m is a lot for a teenager with one breakout season. But in today’s market, with Premier League clubs circling and a World Cup on the horizon, it might be a bargain.
Chelsea have made their move. Now it’s over to Köln and El Mala.
