In a recent print edition, Bild mentioned that Chelsea are in pole position to sign Koln winger Said El Mala. It has been claimed that the Blues are leading Brighton and Hove Albion in the race to land the German wide player later this year.
El Mala’s Impressive Form In German Football
El Mala has enjoyed a good run of form at the German club after he put in a handful of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 19-year-old has banged in 12 goals and secured five assists in 34 matches for Koln this season across various competitions.
The German talent is currently one of the best wingers in the Bundesliga. Therefore, the Blues would do well to get a deal over the line for him this summer.
His current contract at Koln will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for Chelsea to sign him on the cheap later this year.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – APRIL 12: Said El Mala of FC Koln celebrates scoring his teams first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and SV Werder Bremen at RheinEnergieStadion on April 12, 2026 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Should Chelsea Move In For El Mala This Summer?
El Mala is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make some driving runs with it out in the wide areas. He has got the eye to play some decisive passes on the offensive end of the field and can strike the ball with venom from long range.
The German sensation can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. El Mala is primarily a left-winger but can also function as a right-sided wide player or as a centre-forward if asked to do so. However, only time will tell whether he can cope with the physical style and high intensity of the Premier League if the Blues manage to bring him on board this summer.
We can expect El Mala to add more goals and creativity to Chelsea’s frontline. He is more than capable of fighting for a regular first-team place at Stamford Bridge next season.
At 19, El Mala has got the potential to be a future star in English football as long as he continues to improve with each year. Therefore, Chelsea should focus on moving in for him later this year.
