1. FC Köln expects winger Said El Mala to stay despite transfer rumors

Sporting director Thomas Kessler remains confident that Said El Mala will continue his career with 1. FC Köln, despite transfer speculation surrounding the young winger. Kessler stated that the club has a long-term contract with the 19-year-old and sees no reason to part ways with him. He anticipates El Mala will be on the field for Köln in the upcoming Bundesliga season.

The comments came on the sidelines of a friendly match where Köln defeated Spanish side Real Sociedad 2-1. El Mala played for approximately an hour in the game, which was attended by 37,000 spectators at the RheinEnergie Stadium. Linton Maina and Nilas Yacobi scored for Köln in the victory. The team also secured a 2-0 win against Real Sociedad in a behind-closed-doors match the previous evening, with goals from Luca Waldschmidt and Marius Bülter.

With the Bundesliga season opener approaching, Köln's focus shifts to their DFB-Pokal first-round match on August 24 against Würzburger Kickers. Their first league game is scheduled for August 29, when they will host TSG Hoffenheim. El Mala's continued presence would be a significant boost for Köln as they prepare for the new campaign.

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We have a long-term contract and no reason to give up the player - I assume that he will be on the pitch this year in the Bundesliga for 1. FC Köln.