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SportsDortmund's €30M+ bid for Maala rejected by Cologne as 'ridiculous'
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Borussia Dortmund has submitted an offer slightly exceeding €30 million (including achievable bonuses) for Cologne attacking player Saïd El Mala, but Cologne has dismissed it as a 'ridiculous offer' and insists on a €50 million asking price. Dortmund's management, led by Lars Ricken and Ole Book, believes the offer reflects market value. However, Cologne is dissatisfied with the offer structure and unrealistic bonus clauses, such as El Mala winning Bundesliga Player of the Season or a Ballon d'Or nomination. Relations between the two clubs have deteriorated, with Cologne officials no longer willing to negotiate with Dortmund. The player and his family prefer a transfer within the Bundesliga, having rejected clubs like Roma. RB Leipzig is also monitoring the situation but cannot meet Cologne's price. The transfer saga is expected to continue through the summer.
Source report
Hupu Football News | July 26 | Source: German Sky Sports
Borussia Dortmund has submitted an offer slightly exceeding €30 million for Saïd El Mala, including achievable bonuses, but Cologne has dismissed it as a "ridiculous offer," according to German Sky Sports. Cologne is holding firm on its €50 million asking price and is no longer willing to entertain further proposals from Dortmund.
Dispute Erupts Between Borussia Dortmund and Cologne
Per German Sky Sports, Dortmund's offer includes realistic and achievable bonuses that push the total slightly above €30 million. If additional, difficult-to-trigger bonuses are included—such as the player being named Bundesliga Player of the Season, winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot next season, or receiving a Ballon d'Or nomination—the package would reach slightly over €40 million.
However, Cologne has rejected the bid outright, labeling it "ridiculous" and maintaining its €50 million demand for the attacking player. The two clubs are now in a state of severe opposition.
Dortmund Believes Offer Reflects Market Value
Led by sporting managing director Lars Ricken and sporting director Ole Book, Dortmund's management considers the offer fair, as it aligns closely with the player's estimated market value.
Yet, Sky Sports understands that Cologne's management is deeply dissatisfied with both the structure and presentation of the offer. The fixed transfer fee is significantly lower than Cologne's expectations, and some bonus conditions are reportedly unrealistic. These include El Mala being named Bundesliga Player of the Season and winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot next season. A Ballon d'Or nomination would trigger a bonus of several million euros for Cologne.
Relations Between Cologne and Dortmund Deteriorate
Sources from Cologne's training ground indicate that sporting managing director Thomas Kessler and head of recruitment and squad planning Tim Steidten are no longer willing to listen to further offers from Dortmund and have no intention of selling El Mala to them.
When approached by Sky Sports, Borussia Dortmund declined to comment on the transfer dispute.
The news has caused significant stir since Sky Sports broke the story. Multiple local Cologne media outlets and Bild have also reported on the deteriorating relationship between the two clubs.
Book is unwilling to escalate tensions. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports before Dortmund's friendly away match against Düsseldorf, the sporting director said: "He is not a Borussia Dortmund player."
El Mala Wants to Stay in the Bundesliga
Dortmund retains one advantage: El Mala and his family have previously rejected clubs like Roma and prefer a transfer within the Bundesliga. However, the deal remains highly difficult to execute. Another top German club, RB Leipzig, is also monitoring the situation but cannot meet Cologne's asking price.
Nevertheless, this matter is far from resolved. The transfer saga is likely to continue for some time this summer.
Source: German Sky Sports Posted in Shanghai | Reads: 99
Source
虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
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Dortmund's €30 Million Bid for Maala Rejected by Cologne as 'Ridiculous'; Relations Sour