Said El Mala signs contract extension with Cologne until 2031
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 7:15 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Said El Mala has officially extended his contract with Cologne, committing to the club until 2031. The 19-year-old winger, who will don the number 10 shirt, had been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund and other European teams this summer. Despite interest from several clubs, Cologne rejected multiple bids. El Mala expressed his honor in playing for the fans and confirmed the decision to stay. The new contract reportedly includes a salary increase but lacks an exit clause, suggesting a long-term commitment.
- •Said El Mala extends his contract with Cologne until 2031.
- •He changes to the iconic number 10 shirt previously worn by Lukas Podolski.
- •Multiple bids from Borussia Dortmund and other clubs were rejected.
- •El Mala’s salary has increased, but there is no exit clause.
- •He is anticipated to lead the German national team's attack.
- 9:45 AMYahoo Sports — Cologne convinces teenage star Said El Mala to stay and gives him prestigious No. 10
- 7:15 PMYahoo Sports — Official | Said El Mala extends Cologne contract until 2031
"Cologne's teenage star Said El Mala is staying at the club after a summer in which he was expected to leave. The 19-year-old El Mala extended his contract to 2031 and was given the prestigious No. 10 jersey, the club announced late Thursday. El Mala, who scored 13 goals and set up five more in the Bundesliga last season, had been expected to join league rival Borussia Dortmund, but the move broke down last week with Cologne demanding a transfer fee of around 50 million euros ($58.5 million) for the player.
"Said El Mala has agreed to stay at Cologne by signing a contract that lasts until 2031. The 19-year-old talented winger will also wear the number 10 shirt that was last worn by World Cup-winning legen...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 9:45 AMCologne convinces teenage star Said El Mala to stay and gives him prestigious No. 10
Cologne's teenage star Said El Mala is staying at the club after a summer in which he was expected to leave. The 19-year-old El Mala extended his contract to 2031 and was given the prestigious No. 10 jersey, the club announced late Thursday. El Mala, who scored 13 goals and set up five more in the Bundesliga last season, had been expected to join league rival Borussia Dortmund, but the move broke down last week with Cologne demanding a transfer fee of around 50 million euros ($58.5 million) for the player.
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 7:15 PMOfficial | Said El Mala extends Cologne contract until 2031
Said El Mala has agreed to stay at Cologne by signing a contract that lasts until 2031. The 19-year-old talented winger will also wear the number 10 shirt that was last worn by World Cup-winning legen...
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