Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Widely reportedBundesligaUnverified source· 16 Aug 2026
El Mala 'proud' to stay at Cologne after Dortmund collapse
Cologne's sporting director insists the teenager is not down after a big move fell through.
S. El Mala
player
Player
Saïd El Mala
Position
not specified
Current club
Cologne
Linked club
Borussia Dortmund
What happened. Borussia Dortmund ended their pursuit of Saïd El Mala after failing to reach an agreement with Cologne, but the player remains proud to be a Cologne player.
- Kessler says El Mala is not disappointed and speaks openly with him daily.
- Talks were respectful, and the outcome was expected for days.
- El Mala could feature in Cologne's first game against Würzburger Kickers.
“I don’t see any disappointment in him. He’s clearly very proud to be a Cologne player.”
— Thomas Kessler
Cologne's first competitive match is away to Würzburger Kickers on 24 August.
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