1. FC Köln now "firmly believe" El Mala will stay

Said El Mala has been heavily linked with a move away from 1. FC Köln in recent months.However, although the likes of Brentford FC and Brighton & Hove Albion have shown interest in the 19-year-old, a...

Said El Mala has been heavily linked with a move away from 1. FC Köln in recent months. However, although the likes of Brentford FC and Brighton & Hove Albion have shown interest in the 19-year-old, a move has yet to materialise.

In light of this, 1. FC Köln managing director Thomas Kessler now believes the youngster will stay beyond the summer. “There have been one or two offers, which have also become public. But none of them resulted in a transfer, so I firmly believe that he will play for FC this season,” Kessler told reporters.

It has been reported that €50 million would be enough to persuade Köln to sell El Mala. The young attacker was directly involved in 18 goals last Bundesliga season, finding the net 13 times and providing five assists.