Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Wed 8 April 2026 9:10, UK

Everton could enter the race for FC Koln winger Said El Mala this summer.

David Moyes‘ side are in need of attacking reinforcements, and the German star is one of the most promising talents in Europe.

A report from Sport BILD on 7 April claims that the Blues are amongst the potential suitors who are expected to be involved in the bidding war.

It states that Brighton, who have long been considered the frontrunners for his signature, have had a £30million plus £4m in add-ons rejected by the Bundesliga club and their approach is stalling with no agreement on the cards.

Everton could steal a march on the Seagulls and bring one of the best prospects in the game to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

How much will El Mala cost and who are Everton battling for him?

The Friedkin Group need to be ambitious in the transfer market, especially if the Toffees get into Europe for next season.

El Mala would be a show of intent as the report states that Brentford, Fulham, Chelsea and Newcastle are also interested in his services.

It claims that the German club are looking for a figure around the £43m mark to part ways with the 19-year-old, and Brighton have not met that yet.

How has El Mala performed this season?

El Mala has justified the hype this season, as he has scored 10 goals and notched three assists in 28 Bundesliga matches.

He is scoring at a rate of a goal every 147 minutes, with an expected goals rate of 7.97, and is averaging two shots per game, per data from Sofascore.

He averages 0.6 key passes per 90 minutes and has created five big chances for his teammates so far in this campaign, and also draws 0.6 fouls per game.

The winger is also willing to help out defensively, making 0.7 tackles per game and 1.8 ball recoveries per game.

If they could beat their rivals to his signature, it would be a brilliant move, as he is developing into one of the most dangerous youngsters in football.

Whether they launch an official approach remains to be seen, but it is encouraging to see the Merseysiders linked with a young player who is already emerging as a true superstar in a top five league, and has the numbers to prove it.