Köln denies €50m demand for Dortmund target Said El Mala amid speculation
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 8:07 PM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler addressed the ongoing transfer interest in 19-year-old Said El Mala after Köln's 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad. Kessler expressed confidence that El Mala will remain with the team for the Bundesliga’s opening match. He refuted claims of a €50 million price tag, stating no such demand has been publicly communicated. Reports indicate that Borussia Dortmund is increasing their pursuit of El Mala following a failed transfer to Brentford.
- •Köln defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 in a recent match.
- •Thomas Kessler is confident El Mala will stay with Köln.
- •Kessler denies the existence of a €50 million price tag.
- •Dortmund is reportedly raising their offer for El Mala.
- •El Mala was previously set to transfer to Brentford before the deal collapsed.
- 8:07 PMYahoo Sports — Köln chief “relaxed” over Dortmund-linked El Mala as he denies €50m demand
"After Köln beat Real Sociedad for the second time in as many days, sporting director Thomas Kessler talked about Said El Mala’s transfer saga. The 19-year-old is courted by Borussia Dortmund after ...
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