1. FC Cologne sporting general manager Thomas Kessler is tight-lipped about reports that the club has rejected a €25-30 million winter offer for Said El Mala.
“Normally I would not comment in detail on speculation like this. What is important for us is that Said has made very positive progress in a short period of time and his performances so far have made a significant contribution to our season,” Kessler told Express.de.
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He added that the 19-year-old attacker “brings quality to the pitch week in and week out and earns attention through his hard work.”
“It’s important for us to support him closely, provide him with stability and take the next steps together so that he can continue to help us in the second half of the season.”
Since El Mala’s contract runs until 2030 and has no release clause, Cologne is in a strong negotiating position.
“We deliberately linked Said to the club long-term before the season because we were confident in his development and had clear plans for him. At the same time, dealing with market-related matters is also part of our business. We are serious and maintain the necessary calmness,” Kessler said.
“For us, the point is that Said is an important part of our sporting philosophy and we hope that he can continue his path at 1. FC Köln.”