(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Evan Shaw

Sun 15 March 2026 13:33, UK

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Brighton and Hove Albion are launching an ambitious double bid for Said El Mala and his brother Malek as Fabian Hurzeler looks to land the £50m-rated winger on a £58,000-a-week deal.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young talents so far this season, and that has seen him linked extensively with a potential move to the Premier League for next season.

Several members of English football’s elite have targeted the starlet in recent months, while Brighton have also emerged as surprise contenders to win the race for his signature.

However, as ever with promising talents in Germany, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Seagulls will need to overcome a huge obstacle posed by Bayern Munich if they want to secure a deal.

Bayern Munich have first refusal on Said El Mala

Brighton have gained a reputation for targeting emerging talents in recent seasons, and it has been incredibly fruitful in terms of the transfer fees that they have been able to rake in later down the line.

El Mala is the latest player that they have identified as being an ideal fit for their model, and their interest in him has grown increasingly serious of late.

The South Coast outfit are now “pushing” to win the race for the wideman this summer, according to BILD journalist Christian Falk, via FCB Insider.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side are said to have a “good chance” of signing El Mala at the moment, as they are also keen to bring in his older brother Malek.

They are currently leading the way from Manchester City in the race to sign him, but Bayern Munich will have a huge say in where his future lies.

Falk understands that the Bundesliga giants have an agreement in place with Cologne that will see them get first refusal on a deal to sign El Mala, meaning they automatically have a right to counter any offers that come in.

That serves as a major obstacle for Brighton and any other potential suitors, given that they can offer big wages and Champions League football.

Brighton reveal wage plans for Said El Mala

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Brighton won’t spend above their means to get El Mala, and that could become an issue for them, given the calibre of clubs they are competing with.

FCB Insider’s report goes on to suggest that Brighton already have their plans in place for the details in El Mala’s potential contract, if he were to move to the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls are willing to pay the youngster an annual salary of just over £3million, which means a weekly wage of around the £58,000 mark.

However, it remains to be seen whether that sort of contract would be able to stand up against the type of figures that could potentially be tabled by the likes of City and Bayern.

Nevertheless, Brighton have their track record of developing young talents on their side, and that could just be enough to tempt El Mala into thinking that they are perfect for his next move.