Manchester City make first contact for German “street-footballer” who has “God-given talent”

Said El Mala. (REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth)

Manchester City look to be back to something close to their dominant best after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

Erling Haaland is scoring freely once again, Tijjani Reijnders has become the heartbeat of the midfield, Rayan Cherki has dazzled, and Pep Guardiola’s side are racking up wins in both the Premier League and Champions League — looking sharper and more ruthless with each passing week.

Yet even as results improve, Guardiola’s rebuild continues.

With several long-serving stars having moved on, City are planning for the next generation — and reports in Germany suggest they’ve already identified one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.

According to Bundesliga insider Tobias Altschäffl, via Sport1, Manchester City have made initial contact over a potential deal for FC Koln star Said El Mala, with their interest said to be certified.

The 20-year-old winger has already attracted serious attention across Europe, having previously been the subject of a £17 million offer from Brighton, while Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on his development.

El Mala has enjoyed a breakout start to the Bundesliga season, registering three goals and one assist in his first eight matches for Koln. His fearless style and natural flair have quickly made him one of the league’s most watchable young attackers.

Koln head coach Lukas Kwasniok has been glowing in his praise for the youngster, calling him a “street-footballer with God-given talent.”

Kwasniok also admitted that he doesn’t see El Mala playing at Koln for long.

“We’re just proud that the club signed him at the right moment. We know he probably won’t play here for the next 15 years,” Kwasniok said. “Someday, he will 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.”

With Guardiola known for nurturing creative and expressive players, it’s little surprise City are keeping close watch on El Mala’s progress. The German forward could be the next big thing — and perhaps, soon enough, the next big signing at the Etihad.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.