BVB planning final offer for Köln's El Mala – Ricken confirms talks

Background: Shooting star from Köln

El Mala is regarded as one of the most notable German attacking talents of the past Bundesliga season. 1. FC Köln has tied the youngster down on a long-term deal, which drives up the price for interested clubs. Dortmund must therefore convince not only on sporting grounds but also financially if it is to persuade the player to move to Signal Iduna Park.

The personnel decision is set against the backdrop of BVB's squad planning for the coming season. Following the departures of several attacking players, Borussia is looking for a player who can make an immediate impact through the middle or out wide. According to Dortmund's scouting department, El Mala has exactly the profile required for the preferred system of play.

Squad planning at BVB

Lars Ricken, who as managing director shapes BVB's fortunes, sees the club in a strong starting position. Despite competition from home and abroad, the momentum is on our side, Ricken told Sky. An agreement would, however, have to be reached with 1. FC Köln, the club that is the player's current employer.

The cathedral city club has so far shown no willingness to let its key performer go without a correspondingly high offer. According to reports, the Köln officials are demanding a fee that is significantly above the sums recently cited for comparably young players from the Bundesliga. Dortmund, however, is prepared to submit "a final offer."

Competition from home and abroad

Time is pressing: the Bundesliga transfer window closes in a few weeks. If a deal is to be completed, both clubs would need to agree quickly. At BVB, a parallel review is under way into which financial resources can be released at short notice without violating the club's own economic guidelines.

Domestic and international competition is also wide awake. Several Premier League clubs, as well as one English side likewise linked in the media with the player, have El Mala on their radar, according to the broadcaster. Dortmund is hoping that the now-announced final offer will swing the bidding in its favor.

DFB keeping an eye on the player

The DFB is also watching his development with interest, as the player is regarded as a prospective candidate for the German national team. A move to a club participating in the Champions League could accelerate his development and further boost his market value.

On the sidelines of the friendly against FC Arsenal, Ricken also stressed BVB's general transfer philosophy. The club will "do nothing unreasonable," the managing director said. That stance suggests that, while Dortmund is willing to engage in the bidding for El Mala, it also wants to set a clear ceiling on spending.

The article was distributed via the dpa news channel, reaching a broad German sports audience. The coming days are seen as decisive in determining whether BVB can actually secure its desired player from Köln or whether the shooting star will remain at 1. FC Köln for now.