Liverpool keep Said El Mala in their sights; FC Köln reports no offer – Iraola sends search for Salah's successor

Liverpool is facing a major summer in the transfer market. Andoni Iraola, who impressed at Bournemouth, is expected to have a significant influence on the composition of the selection at Anfield. This is evident, among other things, from pushing through a deal for Victor Munoz, in which sporting director Richard Hughes also played a role.

One of the names floating around is Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln. The 19-year-old forward had a breakthrough year in the Bundesliga in 2025/26, being involved in 18 goals in 36 official matches. El Mala showed that he can play anywhere in the forward line and can even be deployed as number 10.

Earlier this window, Brentford had an agreement with Cologne, but the transfer fell through at the last minute due to El Mala's family pulling out. Since then, interest from several clubs, including Liverpool, has revived. However, according to EXPRESS.de, there is 'nothing concrete': Köln has not received any offers to date. Rumors of interest from Newcastle United and Liverpool are not officially known to the club, and incoming reinforcements are not imminent either.


This uncertainty fuels questions in Cologne about the financial space for new acquisitions and about the possibilities for new coach René Wagner to form his team in time for the opening match on July 13, 2026.

El Mala is now playing for Liverpool as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah. The departure of the Egyptian - who still had a year left on his contract - is, according to English reporting, the dominant file of this window. After several clashes with Arne Slot, Salah is said to have decided to end his time at Anfield early. It is even suggested that an earlier change of coach to Iraola could have kept the door open for a longer stay, but that scenario did not materialize.

Yan Diomande is the first choice on the Reds' shortlist. If that top deal falls through, El Mala, Bradley Barcola, Matias Fernández-Pardo and Yankuba Minteh are mentioned as alternatives. El Mala would reportedly cost around €50 million, a significantly lower figure than the more than €120 million quoted for Diomande. Despite the risk of investing in a player with only one top season in the Bundesliga, El Mala is seen as a realistic option within the Anfield plans under Iraola.