Chelsea could face stiff competition from Fulham and Everton in their pursuit of FC Koln attacking sensation Said El Mala.
Said El Mala’s impressive rise has placed him on the radar of a number of clubs in the Premier League. Since he is expected to be on the move in the upcoming transfer window, there could be an intense transfer battle for his signature.
According to a report from Sport Bild, Chelsea are keen on signing the German youth international, as they consider him an ideal fit for their project. However, they will have to battle Everton and Fulham, who are potential suitors for the teenager.
Said El Mala has come up the ranks at FC Koln. Following an impressive rise, he was promoted to their first team in the summer of 2024, and he has not looked back since. The teenager has been involved in 30 matches in the ongoing campaign. While he has only had just over 1,500 minutes, the 19-year-old still has ten goals and four assists to his name.
The teenage sensaation prefers playing out wide on the left, but he is comfortable enough to feature anywhere in attack. El Mala has the pace, dribbling, and knack to take on defenders. His abilities, along with his massive potential, make him a top target for a number of clubs.
Multiple clubs in England are gearing up to battle it out for his signature. While Brighton & Hove Albion have been working on a potential transfer for weeks, they are yet to strike a deal, giving the likes of Chelsea a chance to snap up the youngster.
Chelsea, Everton, and Fulham are after El Mala
The Blues do have a stacked attack, but they are always on the lookout for young players with massive potential, and El Mala certainly fits the bill. They are yet to make an offer for him, but could soon intensify their efforts.
However, Chelsea might have to battle Fulham and Everton, who are also keeping tabs on him. The two mid-table clubs could end the race for his signature and offer him a prominent role on their first team to try to lure him.
While the youngster’s contract at Koln runs until 2030, they seem willing to negotiate his departure this summer as long as their demands are met. The German outfit want at least €50 million for their academy graduate.
The club’s sporting director, Thomas Kessler, and Tim Steidten have been in talks with other clubs and agents ahead of a potential transfer. They seem ready to cash in on the teenager and use the funds to revamp their squad as a whole.