Borussia Dortmund submits €42m bid for Said El Mala, rejected by Cologne

Borussia Dortmund's bid for Said El Mala, reportedly worth €42 million including bonuses, was rejected by Cologne. The offer comprised a fixed amount of €26 million plus up to €16 million in potential bonuses. Cologne's sporting director, Thomas Kessler, aims to retain El Mala, who has attracted interest for his standout season. The player, who has expressed a desire to join Dortmund, impressed in his first campaign with 13 goals and five assists in 34 league appearances. Cologne head coach Rene Wagner praised El Mala's professionalism in training ahead of the upcoming season.

• 7:20 PMYahoo Sports — Borussia Dortmund’s bid for Said El Mala rejected