Officially confirmed! Said El Mala's million-euro move to Borussia Dortmund has collapsed

Borussia Dortmund have apparently pulled out of the race for young star Said El Mala. Sporting managing director Lars Ricken confirmed this to Funke Mediengruppe.

"Said El Mala is not a Borussia Dortmund player and will not become one this summer either. Over the past few days, we have held open talks with the officials at 1. FC Cologne, but they rejected our latest offer. Borussia Dortmund will not submit another offer and will not pursue a transfer for the player any further," said Ricken.

Talks between Dortmund and Cologne had dragged on for weeks. According to media reports, BVB had already seen several offers knocked back, while the Rhineland club are said to be holding firm on their €50 million asking price.

Back in July 2025, El Mala signed a new deal until 30 June 2030, without a release clause. The winger made an immediate impact in Cologne. In his debut Bundesliga season, the attacking player delivered 13 goals and five assists.

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Speaking recently, FC managing director Thomas Kessler said: "Said has a long-term contract and we have no reason to let the player go," but added: "We have also said that if something comes in that is in the right range for 1. FC Cologne and means we want to talk, then we will do that."

Speculation over El Mala's future has been swirling for months. According to media reports, the 19-year-old, who was not nominated for the World Cup by former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann after a strong season, is also said to have previously turned down an offer from Brentford in the English Premier League.