Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have made concrete enquiries to sign FC Koln winger Said El Mala, according to SPORT BILD.
Both Premier League clubs have contacted the Bundesliga side to understand their willingness to negotiate, with early indications suggesting that offers in the €30-40 million range are being considered.
The 20-year-old has become one of Germany’s fastest-rising attacking talents, and his emergence has now triggered interest from two clubs actively reshaping their forward lines ahead of 2026.
Man Utd & Spurs Test Koln’s Stance With Early Enquiries
Sources in Germany report that both United and Spurs have formally asked Koln for clarity over El Mala’s availability - a sign that interest has moved beyond scouting and into planning stages. While neither club has submitted a bid yet, the intention to do so is now clear, with both sides informed that a deal could require up to €40m.
For Manchester United, El Mala - described as a 'one in a million' talent - fits the club’s revamped recruitment strategy under INEOS and Ruben Amorim: young, high-ceiling, technically gifted, and physically suited to the pressing system United want to build. With uncertainty around the long-term futures of several attackers and a desire to reduce the squad’s average age, United believe El Mala’s profile could offer both immediate depth and future upside.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are seeking reinforcements to support their evolving front line under Thomas Frank. Spurs remain heavily dependent on Son Heung-min for creativity and final-third output; adding a dynamic dribbler with El Mala’s acceleration and direct style is seen internally as a priority for long-term squad balance.
Koln value the winger highly and will resist early approaches - but sources in Germany note that financial pressure could make a significant offer difficult to ignore.
El Mala’s Rapid Rise Makes Him Major Emerging Talent
Although still early in his professional career, El Mala has grown rapidly in stature this season. His explosiveness in wide areas, ability to beat defenders, and growing confidence in the final third have already earned him a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s standout young wingers.
United and Spurs know they are moving early, anticipating that El Mala’s value will only increase across 2026. Both clubs view him as a long-term investment - though neither is expected to force a move unless Köln show willingness to negotiate.
For now, the Premier League duo have positioned themselves at the front of the queue. The next step depends entirely on whether Köln’s stance softens as the window progresses.