Said El Mala’s valuation a stumbling block for Borussia Dortmund

After scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in his maiden Bundesliga season, Cologne’s Said El Mala (19) is a wanted man. Both Brighton and Brentford have seen approaches rebuffed, while Liverpool have joined the race to sign the German attacker, who has since attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund.

According to regional outlet Express, a major stumbling block regarding El Mala’s potential move to Dortmund is the transfer fee, of which Cologne are demanding at least €50m – significantly higher than BVB’s highest outlay (€35m for Ousmane Dembélé from Rennes in 2016).

Additionally, Express cite information that El Mala may have reached an agreement with Dortmund with a transfer taking place either after the World Cup, or next summer. Said’s brother, Malek, could also move to Dortmund to either train with the first team, or play for Dortmund II in the Regionalliga West.

And with Barcelona submitting an offer to sign Karim Adeyemi, Dortmund’s interest in El Mala is expected to intensify.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder