Liverpool take step towards €50m deal after rival withdraws offer

Liverpool take step towards €50m deal after rival withdraws offer

Liverpool's biggest rival for a €50m deal has dropped out of the race by withdrawing their offer.

KSTA reports in Germany that Brighton have withdrawn their offer to Koln for Said El Mala. Koln now hope to hold onto their wonderkid but at the very least, they hope to bag €50m.

Brighton’s offer was for around €35m all-in, with El Mala bagging a much higher wage as a result. Now Koln have met with the player to explain their stance with him.

It’s one that will particularly interest Liverpool. The Reds have been linked with a move for El Mala, too, but it had appeared that Brighton would be frontrunners, given the playing time they could offer.

However, the Seagulls aren’t willing to entertain such a massive fee. Advantage Liverpool, then, who can afford the fee and have an increased need for a new winger with Mo Salah’s impending exit.

El Mala does play on the wrong side to directly replace Salah but he’d offer something the squad has lacked - production from wide. The 19-year-old has 11 Bundesliga goals this season and another four assists.

That’s why Koln feel comfortable setting a record price for their youngster. In doing so, they make it more likely that he ends up a Red.

Said El Mala: Situation Summary

Bundesliga Performance and Stats

As of 27 April 2026, Saïd El Mala is enjoying a standout breakout season at 1. FC Köln. The 19-year-old German attacker has recorded 11 goals and 3 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances, logging 1,802 minutes. He is currently the club's top scorer, maintaining an average FotMob rating of 6.87. His most recent performance in a 2–1 loss to on 25 April saw him provide an assist and record 10 shots, further cementing his status as one of Germany’s most prolific young talents.