Wonderkid El Mala reportedly prefers Brighton, but can the Seagulls meet Köln's €50 million valuation amid other club interest?
Will Brighton spend big this summer?
Brighton and Hove Albion have been handed a boost in their pursuit of FC Köln wonderkid winger, Said El Mala.
El Mala has been linked with a host of clubs during the course of the season, coming up to the summer transfer window. Clubs like Brighton, Chelsea and most recently, Newcastle United.
However, Newcastle United have reportedly had an approach rejected by El Mala's family. The player is understood to prefer a move to Brighton if the opportunity arises. El Mala is said to be keen to work under fellow German boss Fabian Hürzeler.
Köln’s reported asking price of €50 million could prove a stumbling block, however, with earlier reports suggesting that Brighton are only willing to pay €35 million plus bonuses.
Approximately €5 million in add-ons have been mentioned, according to reports.
What does the player want?
El Mala's mother, Sabrina, has explained that the family are open to other clubs as well.
However, her position towards Brighton is clear.
The family would accept their written offer, but only after an agreement has been reached between Brighton and FC Köln regarding the transfer fee.
As we know with Brighton's business strategy: they are a very tough club to negotiate with.
Will Brighton spend big?
Albion owner, Tony Bloom, tends to keep it very simple with this: he has a set price, and will walk away if that price doesn't feel right at the time.
Of course, this type of business has been largely successful for Bloom and Brighton, but there are also risks attached to this style.
As we've seen in the past with big-name players missed out on, like Virgil Van Dijk, Cole Palmer, Dele Alli, and Darwin Nuñez, to name a few.
This also recently happened in a deal for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, just before he made his switch to Chelsea.
With how business has been between Brighton and Chelsea in recent years, it feels inevitable that the club from West London will be fishing in similar ponds, despite the club's messaging that they wouldn't be.
This adds pressure on getting deals over the line for talented young players like El Mala.
The player preference will always be key for deals like this, as Albion look forward to a potentially very busy summer transfer window.
Only two years ago, the club went through a period of heavy spending, and with star players already linked with moves away before the season has even ended, it feels like the bank balance could be filled up again this summer!