Manchester Rivals City and United Compete with Bayern for Koln Teen Star Said El Mala

By: Shawn
‎Manchester City are reportedly among several European giants pursuing FC Koln’s rising star Said El Mala. The 19-year-old forward has impressed in his debut Bundesliga campaign, attracting attention from clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United.
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‎Manchester City face competition from Bayern, Dortmund, PSG, and Man Utd for Koln’s 19-year-old sensation Said El Mala after his breakout season.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎Reports from the Bayern Insider podcast, via Sport1, suggest that City have already made contact with El Mala’s representatives as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his attacking options with one of Germany’s brightest young talents.
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‎Brighton’s Summer Bid Rejected by Koln
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‎El Mala’s journey has been swift and eye-catching. After emerging from the academy of Viktoria Koln, he signed for FC Koln in 2024 and spent last season on loan with his former club in Germany’s third tier. The teenager scored 13 goals in 32 games during that spell, prompting Premier League side Brighton to submit a reported £17 million (€20 million) offer over the summer. Koln rejected the bid, determined to keep their promising forward.
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‎El Mala Boosting Koln’s Bundesliga Form
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‎Now a key part of Koln’s senior team, El Mala has played a major role in the club’s strong start to the 2025-26 season. The winger has scored three goals and registered one assist across seven matches, helping Lukas Kwasniok’s side rise to sixth place in the Bundesliga table.
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‎He scored the decisive winner in Koln’s 1-0 victory over Hoffenheim on 3 October and has also found the net against Freiburg and Augsburg. His pace, dribbling, and composure in front of goal have made him one of the most exciting young players to watch in Germany this season.
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‎European Heavyweights Tracking El Mala
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‎According to Sport1, both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are closely monitoring the forward’s progress. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be keeping tabs, making the competition for his signature fierce. Guardiola’s City are reportedly keen to secure an early advantage in what could become a high-profile transfer race.
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‎Koln Set to Face Dortmund as Interest Grows
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‎El Mala’s next test comes on Saturday when Koln travel to face Dortmund—one of his potential suitors. Niko Kovac’s men will aim to return to domestic winning ways after a narrow defeat to Bayern Munich in the first Klassiker of the season. Dortmund come into the fixture boosted by a 4-2 Champions League win over Copenhagen.
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‎Man City Continue Unbeaten Run in All Competitions
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‎Manchester City, meanwhile, are preparing for their Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Sunday. Guardiola’s squad remain unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, currently sitting second in the league standings and seventh overall in the Champions League rankings after two wins and a draw.
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‎City entered the season as third favourites behind Arsenal and Liverpool, but their recent form and Erling Haaland’s prolific scoring streak have strengthened their title credentials.
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‎Carragher Highlights Haaland’s Influence on City’s Title Push
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‎Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher recently praised Haaland’s impact in The Telegraph, suggesting that City’s rivals must fear the Norwegian’s goalscoring power. He described Haaland as “the most lethal finisher of this generation” and “already worthy of comparison with past legends,” emphasizing the striker’s decisive influence in keeping City among the Premier League’s elite.

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