Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly initiated contact as they prepare for a major summer transfer battle over one of Germany's most exciting young talents.
Premier League Giants Make Their Move
According to prominent reports from Germany, both Manchester United and Tottenham have made formal approaches to express their interest in signing Koln winger Said El Mala. The clubs are believed to have communicated their intent through intermediaries ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old sensation is valued at a fee between €30 million (£30.7m) and €40m (£35m). However, the Premier League duo are not alone in their pursuit. They face significant competition from European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, who are also closely tracking the midfielder's rapid development.
The Rise of a German Star
El Mala has enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, marking himself as one of the continent's brightest prospects. In his first top-flight campaign, he has contributed six goals and two assists in just 14 league appearances for Koln.
His club form was rewarded in November 2025 with a maiden call-up to the senior Germany national team by manager Julian Nagelsmann. This followed a standout summer where El Mala was a pivotal figure for Germany at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, earning a place in the official Team of the Tournament.
Koln's Strong Negotiating Position
The German club holds significant power in any potential deal. El Mala is tied to a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2030, and crucially, the agreement does not contain a release clause.
Koln's sporting director, Thomas Kessler, recently addressed the speculation, stating to Sport1: 'Said has a long contract and he doesn't have a release clause. As things stand today, there's no reason to even consider it.'
However, Kessler did acknowledge that a transformative offer could make the club reconsider. 'If a club does come along and we as Koln have to consider whether it's worth taking this money and reinvesting it to improve the squad overall at the top, then we will think about it at some point.'
He also highlighted the club's efforts to reward the player, noting: 'He received a new contract and we increased his salary. Within this contract, Said has the opportunity to be even better paid based on performance.'
The report also reveals that Brighton & Hove Albion tested the waters earlier in 2025 with an offer of around €15m (£13.1m), but it was swiftly rejected by the Bundesliga side.
With elite clubs circling and a hefty price tag set, the race for Said El Mala's signature is poised to be one of the defining stories of the upcoming transfer window.
