Brighton rival Manchester United for FC Koln winger

Manchester United’s recruitment team are already plotting a busy summer as they look to add dynamic firepower to their forward options.

After signing Benjamin Sesko and consolidating in attack, the Red Devils are tracking emerging talents across Europe who could complement their frontline for years to come.

Competition will be fierce, not just in England but across the continent, as scouts from elite clubs monitor the next generation of attackers breaking through in major leagues.

One such player has gone from Germany’s lower divisions to the Bundesliga spotlight in the space of a single season, attracting attention from several of Europe’s biggest clubs.

That player is Said El Mala, a 19‑year‑old winger starring for 1. FC Koln who has become one of the hottest prospects in German football.

El Mala’s rise has been rapid, from playing in the third tier to scoring goals and creating chances in the Bundesliga this season.

He has contributed eight goals and four assists in 23 league games, showcasing his pace, directness and eye for goal.

His progress hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Premier League sides including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with Koln about a potential summer move, with inquiries reportedly lining up offers in the. £26- £36 million (€30–€40 million) range.

While that figure would represent a significant investment for a teenager, it reflects El Mala’s perceived upside.

Interest isn’t limited to England either.

Clubs in Germany and elsewhere have him firmly on their watch lists, with some sources even suggesting outside chances of a World Cup call‑up for Germany this summer due to his performance levels.

However, Brighton & Hove Albion are adopting a creative approach in the transfer chase by reportedly planning to bring in El Mala and his brother Malek El Mala as a package deal, a strategy they believe could help persuade the winger to move to the south coast, as reported by talkSPORT.

That family‑centric idea has emerged as a way to give Brighton an edge over wealthier suitors, but it’s far from guaranteed to win the race, especially with interest from other elite European clubs said to be ongoing.

Koln themselves appear in no rush to sell, with Said El Mala tied down on a long‑term contract through 2030 and no release clause reported, meaning any deal will require careful negotiation.

Said El Mala’s agent commented on links last year saying: “Said feels totally at home in Cologne.”

He continued: “Right now, the only thing that matters to him is ending the negative trend of the past few weeks immediately in the new year and stabilising with the team.”

The next few months will be crucial, not just for El Mala’s career trajectory but for clubs weighing how best to invest in a forward player who has already shown he can impact games at the highest level.