No fixed price tag for El Mala as Köln remain relaxed amid growing interest

1. FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler has explained the club’s position as interest in Said El Mala grows.

Said El Mala has been linked with several top clubs, but 1. FC Köln remain relaxed about the young attacker’s future.

When asked on Sport1’s Doppelpass show on Sunday whether the Billy Goats have set a fixed asking price for the 19-year-old, sporting director Thomas Kessler replied with a “no”.

“So there is no reason to even discuss it,” he added.

Given the youngster’s performances this season, Kessler is unsurprised that El Mala is attracting interest from “cash-rich clubs.”

“If a club does come along and we at 1. FC Köln have to ask ourselves whether it makes sense to take that money and reinvest it to strengthen the squad at the top level, then we will consider it,” he explained. 

“But as things stand today, there is no reason to do so.”

El Mala joined 1. FC Köln from Viktoria Köln last summer and, according to Kessler, is on a “very fair” contract.

“We increased his salary. Under this contract, Said has the opportunity to be rewarded for his performances – and if 1. FC Köln are successful and we achieve our seasonal objectives,” Kessler revealed.