Hoffenheim responds to El Mala rumors with wordplay – Cologne expects negotiations to go down to the wire

At 1. FC Köln, the situation is viewed with mixed feelings. Managing director Philipp Türoff said on Friday that „bis zum letzten Tag der Transferperiode dauern kann. Das ist kein Szenario, das wir anstreben, aber ausschließen können wir es nicht.“ A possible departure of El Mala from the cathedral city has been speculated about for weeks.

Hoffenheim responds with wordplay

The 19-year-old attacking player, born on 26 August 2006, plays on the left wing and was the top scorer with 13 goals for 1. FC Köln in the past Bundesliga season. His market value is reported at 45 million euros. He is therefore a focus of several interested clubs within Cologne's professional squad.

A move to Premier League club FC Brentford fell through last week at the final hurdle due to the wishes of the youngster and his family. According to media reports, the transfer fee for the collapsed deal was said to have been around 45 million euros. The Premier League is considered the most likely destination for the 19-year-old.

Failed Brentford deal

According to the „Express“ report, TSG wanted to put together a large package and lure him with a high signing bonus, an expensive salary and a long-term contract. An additional sweetener would have been the prospect for his brother Malek, who could gain match practice at a high level with the reserve team in the 3. Liga. Although TSG indirectly denied the report, the speculation continues.

The attacking player was not nominated by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann for the German national team squad for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. This decision could additionally influence the player's market value and transfer options, as participation in a World Cup is often regarded as a career milestone for players and clubs.

Financial framework

Hoffenheim will play in the Europa League next season after the club qualified on sporting merit. According to the specialist magazine „Kicker“, TSG must, however, generate a substantial transfer surplus this summer. A transfer deficit of 34.5 million euros is already on the books for the coming season. The most expensive purchase in the club's history was Adam Hlozek, who joined from Leverkusen in summer 2024 for 18 million euros.

The club increased the squad value by almost 50 percent since 1 July 2025. According to reports, candidates for sale include Bazoumana Touré with a market value of 40 million euros and Fisnik Asllani with 35 million euros. Income from these sales could create room for new signings.

National team and squad planning

At 1. FC Köln, planning continues: the club is managed by coach Christian Ilzer; the squad comprises 29 players with a total market value of 270.25 million euros. Yannick Eduardo is listed as the most recent signing. Should El Mala leave the club, adjustments would need to be made both on the pitch and financially.

UEFA regulations also play a role in possible transfers. For example, investor funds can only be used to a limited extent to cover losses under UEFA rules. In addition, participants in UEFA club competitions may spend a maximum of 70 percent of their revenue on their squad. Both clubs are operating within this financial framework, which increases the complexity of a possible deal.