Brighton and Hove Albion’s willingness to sign Malek El Mala could be key to them securing his brother Said ahead of the competition.
BILD Rheinland cover the situation today and the growing interest in the 19-year-old from the Premier League.
The newspaper explains that Said El Mala has recently parted ways with his agents.
Instead of representation being provided by the agency Footfeel ISM, it is being handled by his parents. Sabrina and Mohammed will now deal with interest in the summer transfer window.
And they’ll have their hands full too. Chelsea, Newcastle and ‘especially’ Brighton are all keen on the FC Cologna prodigy.
Seagulls’ long-term efforts
Brighton’s interest is long established. The Seagulls tried to sign El Mala since last summer. They’ve already seen several bids rejected, including a €30m offer in the January transfer window.
Those in charge at the Amex have been seeking concrete talks ever since. The asking price is now €50m and the competition is growing.
A report yesterday brought Chelsea and Newcastle into the mix, stating that both had made ‘strong bids’ for the winger. What that report didn’t mention was their stance on older brother Malek.
Said El Mala currently lives with him in Cologne and has played with him during every step of his career to date. That approach is intended to be continued, with interested parties also being encouraged to sign his younger brother.
That’s led to issues in the past. A report last week explained how a move to Borussia Dortmund had collapsed because of their unwillingness to sign both players. They only wanted Said.
Brighton bonus
Indeed, this was seen as a bonus for Brighton, and it has been made clear over recent months that Malek would also be signed willingly.
BILD now back that up. The newspaper reports that ‘Brighton also wants to sign Malek’ this summer if they can.
That could, then, put them at the front of the queue. Sabrina Malek will be handed the opportunity to negotiate deals for both of her sons and, crucially, keep them together.
That would fit in with Said El Mala’s wishes. Various reports in Germany have made it clear that he wants to stick with his sibling as well.
Of course, there’ll be more to it than that, but Brighton’s willingness could be key to their hopes. It remans to be seen whether Chelsea or Newcastle would offer the same terms.
