FC Koln is facing a challenging transfer summer - what's next for Said El Mala and Jakub Kaminski? The club hopes for high transfer fees to strengthen the squad. Said El Mala had earned his place in the DFB with his first Bundesliga season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. His market value would have certainly benefited from a World Cup appearance. FC Koln had considered a World Cup appearance - out of pride and to generate high transfer fees from his sale. However, even without the DFB, there were interested parties: FC Brentford had recently made an offer of almost 50 million euros - an unprecedented sum for a Koln player. Sports director Thomas Kessler told Bild that they would have considered a transfer. However, the deal fell through because El Mala reportedly did not see Brentford as the right step. What will happen to the winger now? A difficult topic for those in charge. There are still three months for all parties to complete a transfer. El Mala's stay would certainly help the club sportingly - but then the club would lack a lot of money to make changes in other positions. Nine players who were previously loaned out or played a minor role have already left without generating significant revenue. On the other hand, the club has already signed two professionals, Tom Krauß and Jakub Kaminski, for almost ten million euros - although they had previously played on loan for the club. There are still several construction sites in the squad: a new left-back is needed, as well as a center-back. In defensive midfield, Eric Martel needs to be replaced as a regular player, and in attack, Koln is likely still looking for options. Kessler, squad planner Tim Meidten, and coach René Wagner will probably spend several hours thinking about where new players will come from. Because it must be noted: 'real' new signings are still missing - probably because the club is still hoping for big revenue. Financial director Philipp Türoff emphasized in the Express that the club is 'capable of acting without extraordinary transfer revenue,' but had to admit: 'transfer revenue is an important element for a healthy football club to expand its economic scope.' Kaminski as a second revenue option? How big is this scope of action for Koln? Unclear. In addition to El Mala, there is another option in the squad for a large transfer revenue: Kaminski, who had a strong season and would also be a sporting loss. After his signing, a release clause of 20 million euros was anchored in the contract.