FC Köln stunned by BVB's record bid for El Mala
Borussia Dortmund made a record €36 million bid for 19-year-old striker El Mala on July 24, 2026, leaving 1. FC Köln stunned. The Cologne-based club is holding firm on a €50 million asking price and sees Dortmund's offer as insufficient. According to internal sources, El Mala's mother recently reaffirmed her son's commitment to Köln after a brief U-turn.
On May 16, 2026, 1. FC Köln suffered a 1-5 defeat to Bayern München, ending their season in 12th place. Their last four games read two wins and two losses (LLWW), with the most recent two ending in defeats.
Why Köln is rejecting Dortmund's offer
Cologne's leadership reacted with irritation to Dortmund's bid. Sporting director Horst Heldt stressed that the €50 million demand is market-aligned. Dortmund's offer falls far short and is unlikely to sway either club or player. The twist: El Mala's mother had just weeks ago, after a sudden about-face, reaffirmed her son's stay in Köln.
El Mala, who scored 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga games last season, is one of the league's brightest young talents. Köln is now banking on patience and hopes for a better offer in the coming days.
What BVB fans are saying
Reactions among Dortmund supporters are split. Some see the move as a smart reinforcement, while others question the club's track record with young offensive signings. Forum moderator Since1986 wrote: „Bremen is embarrassing itself far more than Dortmund.“
Bremen, who survived relegation by a whisker last season, are now splashing cash on young talent. 1. FC Köln, by contrast, is sticking with proven players and won't sell El Mala on the cheap.
What happens next?
Negotiations between 1. FC Köln and Borussia Dortmund remain tense. Unless Dortmund ups its bid, El Mala stays put. Köln is leaning on squad strength and hopes other suitors will table higher offers.
Experts expect the transfer window to stay active until late August. Köln has fielded several inquiries for the striker in recent days and is now weighing its options.
