Brighton Pulls Out of Said El Mala Transfer Race

Brighton & Hove Albion has officially withdrawn from the race to sign Said El Mala. The decision comes after Cologne slapped a £43 million price tag on the young winger, a figure that proved too steep for the Seagulls.

Brighton has shown serious interest in El Mala for some time, making two bids in January that were rejected. The first offer was worth £24 million, followed by a second at £27 million, both turned down as Cologne fought to stay above the Bundesliga relegation zone. In a bid to sweeten the deal, Brighton included a 10 percent sell-on clause and even proposed bringing El Mala's older brother, Malek, to Sussex from Cologne II.

A third bid of £30 million came at the end of February, this time with a 15 percent sell-on clause. Reports suggested Brighton had reached a verbal agreement with the El Mala family for a summer move. However, Cologne remained firm, rejecting the £30 million offer and raising their asking price to €50 million, or £43 million at current exchange rates.

Brighton is unwilling to make El Mala the club's most expensive signing, surpassing the £40 million they paid Leeds United for Georginio Rutter. While El Mala has shown promise, with 11 goals this season, that’s a hefty sum for a player with just 33 career appearances.

Local reports from Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger indicate that Brighton's withdrawal includes stepping back from pursuing Malek El Mala as well. Cologne is now looking to involve experienced agents from CAA Steller, who represent top talents like Fermin Lopez and Jack Grealish, signaling their intent to secure a lucrative deal.

Despite Brighton's exit, El Mala's talent will attract other suitors. Bayern Munich has been tracking him closely, seeking competition for their left-wing position. With Brighton stepping aside, the young winger's future remains uncertain, but his potential could lead him to a big club soon.