Brentford's €50M Bid for Cologne Star El Mala Rejected by Mother
English Premier League club Brentford offered €50 million for 19-year-old FC Cologne winger Saïd El Mala, which would have been a club-record transfer. Cologne accepted the offer, but El Mala's mother and advisor, Sabrina, rejected it, partly because she demanded her older son Malek also be accommodated at Brentford. The deal's collapse complicates Cologne's summer transfer plans, and Newcastle United has emerged as a new suitor.
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Mara's Rejection of Brentford Move Shocks Cologne Executives, Club Denies Financial Pressure
German Bundesliga club FC Cologne was reportedly shocked after young player El Mara, advised by his mother, rejected a transfer to English Premier League side Brentford. The offer was reportedly close to Cologne's valuation. However, Cologne's sporting general manager Thomas Kessler stated the matter is settled, and financial director Philipp Tirov emphasized the club faces no financial pressure to sell players, noting the club's stable financial position and ability to strengthen the squad without the transfer income.
虎扑 - 足球Cologne Boss Says 'Subject Closed' After El Mala Rejects Brentford Move
1. FC Köln sports director Thomas Kessler has confirmed that mega-talent Said El Mala (19) rejected a transfer to Premier League club Brentford, despite a 50 million euro package being on the table. The deal would have been the most expensive transfer in Cologne's history, surpassing Anthony Modeste's 35 million euro move in 2017. Kessler stated that after careful consideration, El Mala decided against the move, closing the issue for the club. The transfer reportedly failed partly because El Mala's mother and agent, Sabrina, demanded that her older son Malek (21), who plays for Cologne's U21 team, also be accommodated at Brentford. Additionally, Brentford's lack of European qualification was a factor. Meanwhile, midfielder Denis Huseinbasic (24) is set to leave Cologne for Portuguese club Braga, as he played a minimal role last season.
BILD - SportCologne Boss Confirms El Mala's Rejection of Brentford Move
1. FC Köln sports director Thomas Kessler has confirmed that mega-talent Said El Mala (19) rejected a transfer to Premier League club Brentford, despite a 50 million euro package being agreed between the clubs. Kessler stated that after careful consideration, El Mala decided against the move, closing the issue for Cologne. The transfer reportedly failed partly because El Mala's mother and agent, Sabrina, demanded that her older son Malek (21), who plays for Cologne's U21 team, also be accommodated at Brentford. Additionally, Brentford's lack of European qualification was a factor. The 50 million deal would have been the most expensive transfer in Cologne's history, surpassing Anthony Modeste's 35 million euro move in 2017. Separately, midfielder Denis Huseinbasic (24) is set to leave for Portuguese club Braga, as he fell out of favor last season.
BILD - SportTransfer Shock for FC Cologne: Said El Mala's Mother Cancels Brentford Deal
1. FC Cologne was caught off guard when Sabrina El Mala, mother and advisor of star player Said El Mala (19), canceled a record €50 million transfer to English club Brentford at short notice. Sports boss Thomas Kessler had accepted the deal, but the rejection complicates Cologne's summer transfer plans. The club planned up to eight new signings but now faces uncertainty over available funds. Newcastle United has emerged as a new interested party. A complicating factor is that Sabrina El Mala also wants her older son Malek (21), who plays for Cologne's U21 team, to be included in any transfer deal—a condition Brentford could not meet. Cologne insists on a minimum €50 million fee for Said El Mala, but if a move to England fails, German top clubs may offer less, creating further problems for Kessler's squad planning.
BILD - SportBrentford Offers 50 Million Euros for Cologne Winger Said El-Mara; Club Awaits Mother's Approval
German media Bild reports that English Premier League club Brentford has offered FC Cologne 50 million euros for 19-year-old winger Said El-Mara, which would be the biggest transfer in Cologne's history. Cologne's sporting director Thomas Kessler has accepted the offer, pending approval from the club's joint committee. A key remaining obstacle is the approval of El-Mara's mother, Sabrina, who is in talks with Brentford and expected to decide by Friday. El-Mara, who scored 13 goals and provided 5 assists in his debut Bundesliga season, is reportedly keen on the move. His fixed annual salary at Brentford would exceed 4 million euros before tax. The transfer could be completed this weekend due to the offer's time limit.
虎扑 - 足球Brentford Nears €50M Deal for Cologne Star Saïd El Mala
English Premier League club Brentford has submitted a written offer to 1. FC Köln for 19-year-old winger Saïd El Mala, approaching the German club's €50 million valuation. The offer includes a €40 million base fee plus €5 million in easily achievable bonuses, with an additional 15% sell-on clause. This would be a record transfer for Köln. Brighton had previously offered €35 million but was rejected. Brentford has set a short deadline for acceptance, threatening to withdraw and pursue alternatives. The player's mother Sabrina handles his negotiations and has rejected agency involvement. El Mala's omission from Germany's World Cup squad may facilitate the deal by preventing his value from rising further during the tournament.
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