PSG and Inter join race for German wonderkid

Paris Saint-Germain and Inter are the latest top clubs to be linked with 1. FC Köln’s highly-rated youngster Said El Mala.

For the second consecutive Bundesliga game, 19-year-old Said El Mala stole the show for 1. FC Köln in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Augsburg, scoring a brilliant solo goal to earn his side a point.

El Mala has already been linked with Germany’s biggest clubs, and now top teams from abroad appear to have taken notice.

According to Bild, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan have set their sights on the young attacking midfielder.

While a winter transfer is said to be almost out of the question, it’s far from certain that Köln can hold on to El Mala beyond the summer, with speculation suggesting a fee of €30–40 million could see him leave the Billy Goats.

Although El Mala is under a long-term contract until 2030 with no release clause, Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok knows it’s only a matter of time before the youngster moves on.

“Someday, he’ll be sold for an incredible fee. And that’s okay. But I have the feeling that right now he carries FC Köln close to his heart, is enjoying his time here – and so are we,” he said on Saturday.