Ciaran Morrison

Sun 15 March 2026 15:19, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Brighton & Hove Albion have seen their hopes of signing Said El Mala boosted after the winger followed the example of Florian Wirtz by sacking his agents to clear the path for a £50m Premier League move.

The Seagulls are emerging as one of the leading contenders to sign El Mala, who is also wanted by a number of European clubs including Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old forward has scored nine goals and contributed three assists for FC Koln in the Bundesliga this season.

It has been a breakthrough campaign for El Mala, who had previously only played in the third tier of German football for Viktoria Koln.

Bayern Munich have big say in Said El Mala’s future

Brighton are also keen on signing El Mala’s elder brother Malek, who plays for FC Koln’s reserve side as a striker.

The move comes after the 19-year-old fired his agents, as per FCB Insider, to allow his mother to handle negotiations, a switch that has significantly boosted Brighton’s chances of agreeing personal terms.

However, Bayern Munich do reportedly have an agreement in place with FC Koln which means they have first refusal on any deal to sign El Mala.

Bayern Munich have often poached the best talent in Germany, with Vincent Kompany’s side able to offer higher wages than Brighton and Champions League football.

FCB Insider’s report states that Brighton will offer El Mala a contract of £58,000 a week, which Bayern Munich are likely to be able to beat.

Brighton could step away from Said El Mala deal

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that whilst Brighton are interested in El Mala, they will not pay over their means to sign the German international.

Fabian Hurzeler could therefore move onto other targets in the summer if the likes of Bayern Munich win the race to sign El Mala.

The Seagulls are looking to bridge the gap in the Premier League to the European places, with the club credited with having brought in fine young talent over the years.

Hurzeler’s position as manager has been under scrutiny this season, with Brighton unable to push for European football this campaign after coming eighth last time around.