Borussia Dortmund withdraws from Said El Mala transfer race

Borussia Dortmund has ended its pursuit of highly-rated young talent Said El Mala, with the club's CEO Lars Ricken confirming they will not make a further offer. The Bundesliga club had been in negotiations with FC Köln for the 19-year-old.

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Said El Mala is not a player for Borussia Dortmund and will not become one this summer.

Ricken stated that FC Köln rejected Dortmund's final offer, which was reportedly around 50 million euros including bonuses. "Said El Mala is not a player for Borussia Dortmund and will not become one this summer," Ricken told the Funke Mediengruppe. He added that Dortmund had open discussions with FC Köln officials but would not pursue the transfer further.

FC Köln had been demanding at least 50 million euros for the striker, who developed into a key player last season, scoring 13 goals. El Mala joined FC Köln in 2024 and extended his contract until 2030 without an exit clause. Clubs from the Premier League were also reportedly interested.

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We have had open discussions with the officials of 1. FC Köln in recent days, but they rejected our final offer. Borussia Dortmund will not make another offer and will not pursue the player's transfer further.

FC Köln coach René Wagner expressed his relief at the news. "I'm happy that Said is here. He is a top player for us and gives his all in preparation," Wagner said, confirming El Mala would play for them next season.

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I heard it, I am happy of course. I was not expecting anything else. I am happy that Said is here. He is a top player for us and gives his all in preparation.