Borussia Dortmund’s summer transfer window is getting more exciting by the day. The arrival of exciting Greek prospect Konstantinos Karestas is imminent. Now, Sporting Director Ole Book seems to be cooking up a move that would be arguably even more high-profile: taking a run at FC Köln’s Said El Mala. The 19-year-old German International has drawn the attention of numerous clubs around Europe, but according to multiple sources, has his heart set on joining Borussia Dortmund.
According to Bild, El Mala wants to remain in Germany, meaning he has little interest in the suitors lining up for him in the Premier League. That should give Dortmund a lot of bargaining power in their negotiations with Köln, who are demanding a transfer fee of €50 million. Such a fee would take a hatchet to BVB’s transfer record. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, BVB’s first offer was €30 million, an offer so comparatively low that Köln immediately rejected it. I have little doubt that BVB will need to pay much more than that sum, but given El Mala’s desire to join Die Schwarzgelben, Köln may have little choice but to accept an offer sooner or later.
El Mala is a true winger who would add much-needed offensive punch to Dortmund’s lineup. With 13 goals and 4 assists in just under 2,000 minutes in the Bundesliga, he has already proven himself an effective player in the Bundesliga. His totals last season would be impressive for any player, let alone a 19-year-old on a team that otherwise struggled to score goals. By himself, El Mala would be the most exciting signing that Dortmund have made in years. Combine him with Karestas, and it turns into one of the most tantalizing summer windows that BVB have ever had.
