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Cologne coach René Wagner praised Said El's attitude

24 July 2026·5 min read·Pedro Fernández
Cologne coach René Wagner praised Said El's attitude

Cologne coach René Wagner has assured Said El Mala remains committed to the club as the training camp in Austria approaches, despite strong interest from Premier League and Bundesliga rivals.

Cologne coach René Wagner praised Said El's attitude

By Sports.

Context

Said El Mala is a promising forward who has shown his skills in Bundesliga football. His commitment to Cologne sent a positive signal to fans, although the club's high asking price could be a deterrent to interested teams.

Why it matters

Said El Mala's situation presents challenges in the transfer market this summer transfer window, especially for Bundesliga clubs like Cologne. His performance last season, in which he managed 13 goals and 5 assists, highlighted his value as a midfield signing, making him a target for big teams in the Premier League and La Liga.

Key Points

  • Coach of Cologne, René Wagner, praised the attitude of Said El.
  • Cologne coach René Wagner stated that Said El Mala's commitment to the club is complete even though he is rumored to be a target of the Premier League, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.
  • René Wagner lauds Said El Mala amid exit talks - Yahoo Sports.
Cologne coach René Wagner has maintained that Said El Mala remains professional and focused on the team, even as talk of a possible transfer heats up this summer. As Cologne's training camp in Austria approaches, Wagner emphasized that El Mala shows every day that he is a complete club player—from enthusiasm in training to discipline in group assignments. According to Wagner, it is not visible in El Mala's demeanor and behavior that his attention is divided by the noise of the market. The coach pointed out that the forward's participation was full in every challenge in practice, ready to drop back to help the defense, and the quality he brings to the final third is clear. He added that the communication between the club and the player is open: while El Mala is here and involved in the team's program in the coming weeks, any new developments in the transfer matter will be discussed properly by all parties.
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The price remains expensive: Cologne are said to be unwilling to settle for anything less than around €50 million for El Mala. Such a price tag is expected to be a stumbling block for several suitors, including Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, although there is also interest from the Premier League. On Dortmund's side, it is possible that the move will ease once Karim Adeyemi's transfer to Barcelona is finally confirmed, as they can reinvest part of the proceeds to push the pursuit of El Mala. Cologne justifiably think highly of their asset. In his first full season in the Bundesliga, El Mala recorded 13 goals and 5 assists—numbers that show he can serve as both a direct threat up front and a creator for teammates. In age and production, he fits the profile of the modern attacker that big clubs are looking for: quick in transition, aggressive in pressing, and delivers the end product. For Cologne, the next few weeks are critical. While they want to keep El Mala for the continuation of the project, the board will have to weigh the cost of a potential sale against the need to remain competitive in the Bundesliga. As for the big teams watching—from the Premier League to Dortmund and Leipzig—the challenge lies: can the price be met, and who will be the first mover in the market? For now, Wagner's message is clear: Said El Mala is focused on Cologne, and he will remain part of the plan until there is a concrete offer to change the situation.

What's next

As Cologne's training camp continues in Austria, El Mala's future is expected to become clearer. If Karim Adeyemi's transfer to Barcelona goes through, it could open up an opportunity for Borussia Dortmund to reconsider their interest in El Mala, who could be an important part of their player development plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Said El Mala?

Said El Mala is a forward player of Cologne.

What clubs are interested in Said El Mala?

Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Barcelona are interested in Said El Mala.

Why does Said El Mala stay in Cologne?

According to coach René Wagner, El Mala focuses on his role in the team and shows his professionalism s a essays.

What is Cologne's asking price for El Mala?

Cologne's asking price for Said El Mala is around €50 million.

When will any transfer for El Mala become official?

There is no specific date, but any new developments in the transfer matter will be discussed properly by all parties while El Mala is involved in the team program.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

Who is Said El Mala?
Said El Mala is a forward player of Cologne.
What clubs are interested in Said El Mala?
Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Barcelona are interested in Said El Mala.
Why does Said El Mala stay in Cologne?
According to coach René Wagner, El Mala focuses on his role in the team and shows his professionalism in training.
What is Cologne's asking price for El Mala?
Cologne's asking price for Said El Mala is around €50 million.
When will any transfer for El Mala become official?
There is no specific date, but any new developments in the transfer matter will be discussed properly by all parties while El Mala is involved in the team's program.
Who is Said El Mala in this story?
Said El Mala is the main player involved in this transfer rumor update.
What is the player's current situation?
The article discusses Said El Mala's situation based on the latest reporting.
TeamsBundesligaPremier LeagueCologneBorussia DortmundRB LeipzigBarcelonaSaid El MalaKarim Adeyemi

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