1. FC Köln boss reflects on growing interest in Said El Mala

1. FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler is hoping to keep Said El Mala long term.

Said El Mala has reportedly attracted interest from several top clubs with his impressive performances for 1. FC Köln this season.

However, the Bundesliga club are not thinking about selling the young attacker. 

“We sat down with him and his representatives for a long time this summer and extended his contract, which originally ran until 2029, by another year to 2030,” 1. FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler told Sport1. 

“With that, we’ve made a clear statement that we see our future with him – and we’re very happy to have Said with us.”

Kessler also cautioned against overhyping the 19-year-old. 

“His first appearances were very promising. But we still have to remember that his start against Dortmund last weekend was only his second in the Bundesliga,” he said. 

“Expectations in Köln can quickly become immense, especially given the media environment. 

“He’s still far from reaching the end of his development.”