Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the progress of highly-rated Koln forward Said El Mala but face stiff competition for his signature from a number of European heavyweights. The 19-year-old has been in fine form for the Bundesliga side in 2025-26, leading to several members of Europe’s elite to register their interest in signing the winger.

Report claims Koln rejected Brighton bid for El Mala in the summer

According to the via German television channel El Mala is believed to be attracting interest from a number of clubs. After emerging from the academy of German third tier outfit Viktoria Koln, the youngster signed a contract with top-flight side FC Koln in 2024, remaining on loan with the lower league club for the 2024-25 season. After scoring 13 goals in 32 games in 3. Liga last season, claim Brighton lodged a £17 million (€20m/$23m) bid to sign El Mala in the summer, which was rejected by Koln.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWonderkid has played key role in Koln's excellent start to season

Now in his first season in the Bundesliga, El Mala has played a key role in Koln’s fantastic start to the 2025-26 campaign, recording three goals and one assist to help the club rise to sixth in the table. Lukas Kwasniok’s men have claimed victories over Mainz, Freiburg and Hoffenheim, while they have also registered draws with Wolfsburg and Augsburg in their seven league games this season. El Mala netted the all-important winner in Koln’s 1-0 win over Hoffenheim on 3 October, while he also found the back of the net against Freiburg and Augsburg on 31 August and 18 October respectively.

City face competition from Bayern, Dortmund & Man Utd for El Mala

And following his impressive start to the season, El Mala has reportedly caught the eye of City. Referencing comments on the claim Pep Guardiola’s men have reached out to the wonderkid’s camp. However, the same report claims that Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – as well as Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain – are also believed to be interested in signing El Mala.

AFPEl Mala hoping to help Koln down Dortmund on Saturday

El Mala will be looking to continue his fine form in front of goal when Koln travel to one of his reported suitors, Dortmund, on Saturday evening. Niko Kovac’s men are looking to return to winning ways in the Bundesliga following their 2-1 defeat against rivals Bayern in the first Klassiker of the season last weekend. Dortmund were victorious in the week, however, defeating Danish outfit Copenhagen 4-2 in the Champions League.