Borussia Dortmund is reportedly set to make a renewed effort to sign 1. FC Köln player Said El Mala, with Sky Germany announcing that BVB plans to submit a new proposal valued at around €50 million, including attainable bonuses. This offer is expected to be presented to Köln at the start of the upcoming week. Dortmund appears ready to significantly enhance their previous rejected offer to align with Köln’s financial expectations.

As reported by Patrick Berger, Dortmund’s last proposal included a guaranteed payment of €37 million along with an additional €8 million in bonuses. However, Köln turned down the €45 million bid and has been firm in seeking better financial terms. The anticipated new offer targets approximately €50 million in total, structured to allow for realistic achievement of bonuses.

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This amount is critical because Dortmund has determined €50 million as their ultimate limit for El Mala, while Köln has insisted on a €50 million transfer fee as a baseline. It remains to be seen whether Köln will agree to the bonus structure or will continue to seek the €50 million as a fixed transfer sum, without performance-related contingencies.

Dortmund Maintains Interest in El Mala

Hopes for the transfer have revived with Dortmund’s latest move, which comes after Köln dismissed an earlier proposal from BVB. Reports from Get German Football News indicated in late July that BVB had initially opted not to make an immediate improved offer.

El Mala’s position has helped sustain the potential transfer. The 19-year-old’s representatives have signalled strong interest in a move to Dortmund, even as the German international has conducted himself professionally and not attempted to force his exit from Köln.

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Dortmund then came back with an improved offer. GGFN has covered Köln declining BVB’s second offer, while Sky Germany detailed that proposal as being €37 million plus €8 million in bonuses.

Support for the Transfer Grows in Dortmund

There appears to be widespread backing for the transfer within Dortmund’s management. Berger reports that sporting director Nils-Ole Book and managing director Lars Ricken firmly support this endeavor. Managing director Carsten Cramer and head coach Niko Kovac are also aligned with the proposed investment, and Kovac has reportedly already conversed directly with El Mala.

Dortmund’s serious intent is underscored by their ongoing activity in acquiring attacking talent. BVB has already secured the signing of Konstantinos Karetsas while actively exploring other options that could provide speed and one-on-one capability following Karim Adeyemi’s exit.

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Kicker has recently connected Dortmund to PAOK attacker Giannis Konstantelias, while El Mala remains the favored choice for the club. The young talent remains a top priority for Dortmund.

National Coach Jürgen Klopp Pays Attention

Another important figure has joined the narrative. Berger reports that national coach Jürgen Klopp has spoken with El Mala and sees him as a key component of the future for the German national team. Köln’s Express newspaper further claims that Klopp has personally advocated for El Mala’s move to Dortmund behind the scenes.

During his first complete Bundesliga season, El Mala recorded 13 goals and five assists, establishing himself as one of the most promising young attacking talents in German football. Köln has little financial incentive to sell below their asking price, while Dortmund seems equally committed to not exceeding their own valuation.

The upcoming proposal will be crucial in determining if the two clubs can finally reach an agreement.

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly preparing one final major push for 1. FC Köln star Said El Mala, with Sky Germany reporting that BVB intend to submit a new offer worth approximately €50m including achievable bonuses. The proposal is expected to arrive in Köln at the beginning of the coming week. Dortmund are thus prepared to significantly improve upon their most recent rejected offer and meet Köln’s basic demands.

According to Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, BVB’s last proposal consisted of €37m guaranteed plus another €8m in bonuses. Köln rejected the €45m package and have continued to insist upon considerably stronger financial terms. The new offer is expected to reach approximately €50m in total, with the bonus structure designed in such a way that the maximum amount can realistically be achieved.

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That figure is significant because Dortmund have internally established €50m as their absolute limit for El Mala while Köln have demanded a €50m transfer fee. Whether Köln will accept the bonus structure remains to be seen. The cathedral city club is thought to desire the €50m as a fixed transfer fee independent of performance incentives. 

Dortmund refuse to abandon Said El Mala pursuit

BVB’s latest move represents another reversal in a transfer saga that has repeatedly appeared close to cooling down. After Köln rejected Dortmund’s opening proposal, Get German Football News reported in late July that BVB were initially not planning an immediate improved offer. 

El Mala’s own position subsequently helped keep the transfer alive. The 19-year-old’s representatives clearly signalled his willingness to join Dortmund, though the German international has continued to behave professionally and has made no attempt to force his way out of Köln.

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Dortmund then returned with an improved proposal. GGFN covered Köln’s rejection of BVB’s second offer, with Sky Germany now specifying the structure of that bid as €37m plus €8m in bonuses.

Kovac already speaks with El Mala

There appears to be broad support for the transfer throughout Dortmund’s sporting hierarchy. Berger reports that sporting director Nils-Ole Book and managing director Lars Ricken remain firmly behind the move. Managing director Carsten Cramer and head coach Niko Kovac are also said to support the proposed investment. Kovac has reportedly also already spoken personally with El Mala.

Dortmund’s determination is particularly notable given their other attacking business. BVB have already completed the signing of Konstantinos Karetsas and have continued examining alternatives capable of supplying pace and one-on-one quality following Karim Adeyemi’s departure.

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Kicker recently linked Dortmund with PAOK attacker Giannis Konstantelias, while Köln’s El Mala has remained the club’s preferred option. El Mala appears to remain the absolute priority.

Jürgen Klopp reportedly speaks with El Mala

Another significant figure has now entered the saga. Berger reports that Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp has already spoken with El Mala and views the Köln youngster as an important part of the national team’s future. Köln’s Express newspaper further claims that Klopp has even advocated behind the scenes for El Mala to complete the Dortmund move.

El Mala produced 13 goals and five assists during his first full Bundesliga campaign and has rapidly developed into one of German football’s most valuable young attacking players. Köln therefore have little financial necessity to sell below their desired terms. Dortmund, meanwhile, appear equally determined not to exceed their own valuation.

The next offer will consequently determine whether the clubs can finally meet in the middle.

GGFN | Peter Weis