Manchester United Begin Talks to Sign £35m German Wonderkid Ahead of Tottenham
Manchester United have reportedly moved ahead of their rivals in the chase for one of Germany’s brightest emerging prospects, with early discussions said to be underway over a potential move for FC Köln winger Said El Mala, beating Tottenham Hotspur to the first step.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise in the Bundesliga and is now widely regarded as one of the league’s most exciting young attackers. His performances this season have been hard to ignore, attracting interest from several European heavyweights, with United now strongly positioned among the frontrunners.
German outlet Bild claims United have already reached out to Köln via intermediaries to signal their interest ahead of the summer transfer window. Tottenham are also believed to have made contact, but United are thought to be acting early in an effort to gain the upper hand once formal negotiations begin.
El Mala’s impact in his debut full Bundesliga campaign explains the growing attention around him. He has scored six goals and registered two assists in just 14 league outings, impressive numbers for a teenager operating at the top level of German football. His displays suggest a player well beyond his years in both confidence and composure.
Primarily deployed out wide, El Mala offers pace, sharp dribbling and an eye for goal. He thrives in one-on-one situations, regularly unsettling defenders, while also showing smart movement and calm decision-making in the final third. Those qualities have made him one of Köln’s key attacking threats despite his age.
His progress has also been recognised internationally. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann handed El Mala his first senior national team call-up last month, a major step in his development. That recognition followed an impressive summer in which he starred at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, earning a place in the tournament’s best XI.
From United’s perspective, El Mala fits neatly into their recruitment strategy of targeting young players with high potential who can grow into long-term first-team regulars. Already battle-tested in the Bundesliga, he offers experience as well as room for further development.
United are also keen to inject more speed and creativity into their wide areas. While attacking options are available, inconsistency has often been an issue, and there is a belief that fearless young talents can lift the overall attacking threat. El Mala’s knack for scoring from the flanks is especially attractive, given the club’s heavy reliance on central players for goals in recent seasons.
Reports suggest United could be prepared to spend between €30m and €40m to land the winger. Although it is a substantial outlay for a teenager, the fee reflects both his immediate influence and long-term upside.
Competition for his signature is intense. Tottenham view El Mala as a strong fit for their high-tempo attacking approach and have a track record of trusting young players. Bayern Munich are also keeping close tabs, rarely overlooking elite German prospects, while Paris Saint-Germain continue to monitor him as part of their search for the next generation of attacking stars.
Brighton previously tested Köln’s resolve with a €15m bid earlier in the summer, but that offer was quickly turned down. Since then, El Mala’s value has surged thanks to his consistent Bundesliga performances and growing international profile.
Köln, however, remain firmly in control of the situation. El Mala is tied to the club until 2030 and does not have a release clause, leaving the final say entirely in their hands. Sporting director Thomas Kessler recently reiterated that there is no immediate reason to consider a sale, pointing to the club’s long-term vision for the player.
The club have already improved his contract, boosting his wages and adding performance-related incentives. From Köln’s standpoint, keeping him and allowing his market value to rise further is a logical move, although Kessler has admitted that an extraordinary offer would force them to at least weigh their options.
That context explains why United’s early move could be crucial. Opening lines of communication now allows them to understand Köln’s stance, build goodwill and position themselves strongly ahead of rivals once the window opens.
Nothing is close to being finalised, but United’s intentions are clear. They view Said El Mala as a future star and want to be first in line. With Tottenham, Bayern Munich and PSG all watching closely, the battle is only beginning, but United appear determined to strike early for a winger they believe could become a major figure at Old Trafford for years to come.
