FC Koln's sports director Thomas Kessler has spoken clearly in the training camp in Kitzbühel: Said El Mala will stay at the club. After a €44 million offer from Borussia Dortmund (€34M base fee / €10M bonuses), Kessler emphasizes that the 19-year-old star will not be sold. "I have little interest in letting Said go," says the 40-year-old sports director. The club has set a pain threshold of €50M for a transfer. After the 5-1 defeat against Bayern Munich (16.05.2026) and four consecutive losses (LLLL), Koln wants to keep its top player.
What happened?
On Wednesday, the club's most powerful committee met in Kitzbühel to decide on El Mala's future. Dortmund's offer (€44M) was rejected as insufficient. Kessler: "Nothing that would make me consider selling the player." The club demands at least €45M as a base fee. El Mala has four more years on his contract.
Why is this important for FC Koln?
El Mala is a key player for Koln. Kessler: "Said will play a central role." After a poor season (0W-0D-4L), the club needs its star. The player's family supports the club. Kessler warns other clubs: "No club should speak to the player personally."
What's next?
The club remains open to talks until the transfer window closes, but the price will rise. Kessler: "The closer we get to the start of the season, the more our position may change." El Mala is expected to stay this season. The club does not want to sell players with four years left on their contracts.
