(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Fri 13 March 2026 13:00, UK

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Bayern Munich are preparing to rival Brighton in their pursuit of FC Koln sensation Said El Mala ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old has stunned in the Bundesliga so far this season, where he has picked up a combined 12 goals and assists in 25 appearances.

Borussia Dortmund are also among the admirers of the Germany Under-21 international, who could be tempted to remain in his home country rather than moving to England.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brighton are hopeful of singing El Mala, but will not be forced to spend above their means.

The Seagulls are keen to continue progressing on and off the pitch and Brighton are making ambitious transfer plans, but may be unable to compete with elite clubs.

Bayern Munich join Brighton in Said El Mala race

Brown told Football Insider on 10 March that Brighton are confident of signing El Mala and believe they can have an edge of rivals in their pursuit.

However, with the likes of Bayern Munich joining the race, they could be priced out of a move with the winger’s price tag set to increase.

“Brighton have a good record of unearthing this type of talent,” Brown told Football Insider.

“They looked at making a move in January but that didn’t happen, now there are going to be other clubs in the Premier League and abroad in the summer.

“They will have a figure in mind that they are willing to pay, a price they can make an offer at and then one as high as they might be tempted to go.

“The problem will come if a team like Bayern Munich come in with the financial power they have, they could make a huge offer.

“They could blow Brighton out of the water, and there’s not too much that can be done about that because that’s just how football works, there’s a hierarchy.

“Brighton aren’t going to pay more than what they’re prepared to, and if that means moving on to other targets if that price gets too high, then so be it.”

Who else is in the running to sign El Mala?

Brighton and Bayern Munich are not the only clubs interested in El Mala, with interest growing in the winger from a number of Europe’s top clubs.

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United want El Mala and are keeping a close eye on his Bundesliga displays.

However, Brighton hope to move quickly to beat their rivals to the deal and have been working on a move since the January transfer window.

Despite what has proved to be a frustrating season under Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton are making ambitious transfer plans to bolster their squad in the summer.

They believe they can compete with top clubs for his signature, but Bayern Munich may provide too steep an obstacle to overcome in their pursuit.