Said El Mala, Digi Mart USA News (Germany): The transfer saga surrounding Borussia Dortmund’s former target Said El Mala is continuing, this time with different protagonists. A move in the winter window now appears possible, according to a publisher report.
Earlier in the summer, Dortmund spent several weeks negotiating with 1. FC Köln for El Mala.
However, Köln remained firm, and Dortmund was unwilling to exceed its internal limit, so the 20-year-old stayed in the Rhineland, where he has steadily developed into a top performer. Interest in the winger has grown as a result.
According to Sport Bild, Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain has now also taken notice of the left winger, and El Mala reportedly sits on the French club’s shortlist. PSG could submit an offer as early as this winter, with the club reportedly having 80 million euros available for the coming transfer window.
The report adds that PSG has a need in El Mala’s position following the cruciate ligament injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Sport Bild also reports that PSG officials had already inquired about El Mala during the summer, but no concrete offer has been made so far.
A winter move nonetheless appears unlikely. Köln plans to keep its fan favorite until at least the summer.
Sporting director Thomas Kessler did not rule out a winter transfer entirely, saying, “In football, one should not categorically rule anything out.” He added, however, “He extended his contract for a reason. Therefore, for me, there is currently no reason to consider a possible winter move.”
Dortmund, according to the report, will not make a new approach for El Mala, either in winter or summer. The club lacks the necessary budget, and the German international would now be even more expensive.
Dortmund has also already signed Giannis Konstantelias for that position during the summer.
