Bundesliga side demand over €50 million for Manchester City attacking target

Interest from Manchester City in breakout star Said El-Mala has been rebuffed as FC Köln target well in excess of €50 million, according to the latest developments.

City head into the second half of the season still balancing immediate competitive demands as Pep Guardiola’s side remain in the title race, but injuries, rotation needs, and a relentless calendar continue to shape recruitment thinking. Recent work has focused on identifying elite young talent early, even if that means monitoring rather than acting decisively.

That strategy has been evident across recent windows as City show a willingness to position themselves early in transfer races, particularly for emerging attackers capable of developing within Guardiola’s system. January, however, has consistently been treated with caution.

The current market conditions only reinforce that approach, with clubs across Europe under little pressure to sell prized assets in winter, especially those that represent both sporting value and future financial upside.

One such case is unfolding in Germany, as Said El‑Mala emerges as the undisputed breakout star for FC Köln. At 19, the winger has stepped up seamlessly, producing a string of mature, decisive performances and a return of six goals and three assists in 15 league appearances.

That form has inevitably attracted attention from abroad, as Brighton attempted to sign him last summer, while representatives of City, Manchester United, and Tottenham all make contact with the player’s agent.

Despite interest, El-Mala has publicly played down the idea of a January exit, insisting he wants to remain in Cologne and continue development in a stable environment. History suggests that stance can shift if an offer becomes irresistible.

Speaking to Express, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Köln vice-president Ulf Sobek delivered a clear message to prospective suitors, “First, you have to find the right time for such a transfer.”

He continued, “If we were to sell him now for €50 million, we’d have to pay a significant amount in taxes. So it’s not always just about the absolute value; you always have to think ahead. What’s important is the bottom line for us when you want to cash in on a gem.

“Ideally, though, I’d like Said to stay with us for a long time and bring us a lot of joy. If a player is worth €50 million, he wants a corresponding salary. Then you have to look at the club’s salary structure.”

For Manchester City, the comments effectively rule out a January move. While interest underlines El-Mala’s standing among Europe’s elite prospects, Köln’s position makes clear that any realistic pursuit would be a summer conversation, if at all.

For now, the teenager remains where he is, continuing a breakout season that is only strengthening his value. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham may be circling, but Köln have drawn a firm line that this is not the moment to sell.