FC Köln makes concrete bid for Said El Mala

1. FC Köln confirmed a concrete bid for Said El Mala in transfer talks. Sport director Thomas Kessler outlined the move during a media briefing on Tuesday. The Bundesliga club did not activate a purchase option for Ömer Özkacar. Köln’s interest in El Mala follows recent squad restructuring under head coach Tim Walter. El Mala, 23, joined Genk from Club NXT in January 2023. He has made 38 appearances for Genk across all competitions, scoring three goals. Köln’s offer reflects their pursuit of a left-back to bolster the defense. The club continues to evaluate defensive options ahead of the January transfer window. Kessler reiterated Köln’s commitment to building a competitive squad. The club remains active in transfer negotiations as the window approaches.