Roma Set to Spend Big on El Mala: Winger's Future Uncertain

AS Roma have drawn a clear line in this summer’s market: they want a new left winger, and they are prepared to pay for one. Said El Mala, Cologne’s 19-year-old livewire, now sits firmly on their shortlist.

According to Geissblog, the Giallorossi are willing to go as high as Cologne’s €50 million asking price. That figure would put El Mala among the club’s most expensive signings, and it fits with Roma’s recent moves. They have already been heavily linked with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Matteo Bahoya, with a fee of around €45 million under discussion. The message from the capital is obvious: for the right young attacker, they will stretch.

The problem? The player himself.

Sky reports that El Mala, capped seven times for Germany’s Under-21s, does not currently see his immediate future in Serie A. Roma might be ready to open the door, but the winger is not rushing to walk through it. For now, Italy is not at the top of his list.

Dortmund deal collapses amid anger in Cologne

If Roma are hovering, Borussia Dortmund are out of the race entirely.

What looked like a natural next step for a young German talent has collapsed in acrimony. Geissblog reports that Cologne considered Dortmund’s financial package inadequate. That alone could have stalled talks. What really infuriated the hierarchy at the Geißbockheim, though, was how they believe Dortmund handled the process.

Cologne were, in their own words, “not in agreement with the manner in which Dortmund are said to have tried to influence the player in order to make a move more likely”. Internally, that was enough. Negotiations with the Black and Yellows were cut off immediately. No more calls, no more counter-offers. Door closed.

Leipzig hesitate as the price bites

With Dortmund out, the Bundesliga field has thinned dramatically. Only RB Leipzig remain as a realistic domestic suitor, and even that interest is on hold.

Geissblog reports that Leipzig have informed 1. FC Cologne they neither can nor want to meet the current €50 million valuation. For a club that has built its model on smart recruitment of young talent, the number is simply too high right now.

A twist is still possible, but it depends on one key domino. Leipzig would need to cash in on Yan Diomande to free up the funds required for another push at El Mala. No sale, no bid. Until then, their stance is clear: admiration, but no cheque.

Shining on the pitch while the rumours swirl

Away from the boardrooms and briefings, El Mala is doing the one thing that keeps his name on every shortlist: performing.

In Thursday’s pre-season friendly, Cologne dismantled Bergisch Gladbach 8-0. The 19-year-old attacker got on the scoresheet for the first time in the current campaign, a small but timely reminder of his growing influence. While clubs argue over millions and methods, he is sharpening his game on the grass.

So the situation hangs in a delicate balance. Roma are ready to pay, Leipzig are watching their accounts, Dortmund are out, and Cologne are standing firm on their price and their principles.

The next move belongs to the market – and to a teenager who suddenly has Europe waiting on his decision.