Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Mon 27 April 2026 18:56, UK

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Newcastle United have been handed a chance to sign Said El Mala after Brighton reportedly pulled out of negotiations with FC Koln.

The 19-year-old is of interest to several Premier League clubs amid a Bundesliga season that has seen him net 11 goals and provide four assists.

Brighton had thought to have been leading the race, but decision-makers at the American Express Stadium have reportedly been turned off by the asking price.

The Magpies are expected to dip into the market for a new winger this summer, with Anthony Gordon seemingly edging towards the exit door.

Newcastle transfer chiefs will hope to replace the England international for a reduced price, although they will be forced to pay for quality.

Newcastle can jump queue in Said El Mala race

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last month that Brighton are hopeful of signing El Mala this summer.

The Seagulls were thought to be leading the race for Germany youth international, who has been hugely impressive this season.

But Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger, a local paper based in Cologne, reported on Sunday night that Brighton have withdrawn their £30million bid for both El Mala and his brother, Malek.

Koln have rejected the offer, and are expecting more lucrative bids this summer. Should they not arrive, the winger would happily stay for another year, having extended his contract last summer.

The door has been left open for Newcastle, who will be in desperate need for a new left-sided forward if Gordon leaves this summer.

The England international is attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, and could fetch a fee upwards of £70m.

It is unclear how much Koln expect for El Mala, but the 19-year-old certainly has both the ability and the energy to play in the Premier League.

FC Koln club president bullish on El Mala links

Koln are well aware of the mounting interest in El Mala, and they remain in a strong negotiating position ahead of the summer.

Any interested suitor will need to pay their price if they are to sign the 19-year-old, who does not appear to be in a rush to leave.

“We would be pretty crazy to just let such a great player go early,” club president Jorn Stobbe told the L’Immo podcast earlier this month.

“Of course, we will make him an offer with our network – not just financial, but also in other areas,” he added, when asked about if El Mala could sign another new contract.

“We can offer him an environment where he can develop wonderfully. He’s a very young player, highly talented and has already proved that.”