‘It will happen eventually’: Köln’s Germany winger admits he listened to Brighton’s summer offers, and the Seagulls are going again

Said El Mala has admitted he listened to every offer that came his way in the summer, Brighton’s included, and the Köln winger’s words suggest the Seagulls’ long chase is far from over.

Brighton have been admirers for at least 18 months. They were the first Premier League club to make a move, offering €20m in 2025 to get ahead of the competition, and they were still at the front of the queue going into July this year.

It never happened. The 20-year-old signed a new contract at Köln instead, running until 2031, and that decision is now looking like a smart one for him.

Why did El Mala turn Brighton down?

Speaking to RTL and Sky in Germany, El Mala explained that comfort and a clear plan kept him at the club. “I chose Köln because I simply felt comfortable here. I didn’t want to leave, even though there were many inquiries,” he said.

He was open about the fact that he heard the clubs out. “Of course, I listened to what was on offer, that’s completely normal. But I had extensive discussions with the board and the coach, and I heard about the plans for the team. Looking at things now, those plans have been implemented exactly as discussed. I want to bring joy to the city and the club through my own performances and those of the team.”

How hard did Brighton push for Said El Mala?

Very hard. Brighton tried to hold talks during the March international break, and they even tried to use a personal connection through Fabian Hurzeler to push the deal through. By then, though, El Mala and his family had different intentions, with Chelsea also in the picture.

Brighton weren’t alone with money on the table either. Borussia Dortmund were reportedly ready to pay around €50m, but Köln wanted more and said no. We looked at how this fight first took shape back in May, when two Premier League clubs were circling the then teenager.

What has he done since staying?

Plenty. He became Köln’s talisman last season, scoring 13 goals with four assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances to keep them clear of any relegation trouble. This season he has four goals and one assist in nine games, and he has earned his senior Germany debut under Jurgen Klopp.

Reports suggest Brighton will try again, and El Mala didn’t close the door. “You always have dreams,” he added. “I want to achieve great things one day and play in the Champions League. I can’t say exactly when that moment will come, but it will happen eventually.”

Can Brighton finally land Said El Mala?

That last line is the one Brighton should worry about. He isn’t talking about the Premier League, he’s talking about the Champions League, and a club that has to sell its project to him again will need more than a personal link to the head coach and a well-timed phone call.

The Seagulls are busy elsewhere too, having already made first contact for León’s Colombian midfielder, and Hurzeler has Brentford at the Amex on his mind today. But a contract to 2031 means Köln hold every card, and with Dortmund already burned at €50m, the price only goes one way. If Brighton want him, they will have to prove they are a step towards Europe, not a step sideways.