Newcastle United have opened talks over a potential move for FC Koln winger Said El Mala as they keep actively searching for an Anthony Gordon replacement.
Gordon’s £70million move to Barcelona left Newcastle needing depth at the position, with Harvey Barnes the only natural alternative currently in the Magpies roster.
According to TEAMtalk, reporting on June 6, Newcastle have gotten in touch with FC Koln to discuss the transfer of their 19-year-old phenom.
“Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have
made contact over a potential summer move for highly-rated young forward Said El Mala,” TEAMtalk reported.
El Mala is generating serious buzz after an impressive season in Germany, with not only Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in his pursuit, but a few Serie A clubs and Bundesliga sides all monitoring his situation and linked to a potential summer transfer.
Goal.com reported that Brentford had a deal in place for El Mala at around €50 million, bonuses included, only for the transfer to collapse at the finish line due to familiar reasons.
“His parents, who are closely involved in negotiations, are keen for any interested club to also give serious consideration to signing his older brother, Malek El Mala,” TEAMtalk reported.
That seemingly made the deal more difficult for Brentford to swallow, as they were simply unwilling to commit to both brothers. And if you ask me, they did right, and NUFC should do the exact same thing. No Bron and Bronny here, fellas.
In any case, reports indicate that Newcastle are still exploring ways to structure a move without having to deal with the player’s mother or his brother.
“Both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle are understood to be exploring creative solutions to navigate the family element,” TEAMtalk reported.
El Mala also has a new contract offer from FC Koln and has not asked out, but TEAMtalk says there is a desire to play at a higher level. Even then, like it’s the case 90% of the time, always been on the player, trying to force his current club’s hand into a bigger deal, with rumors spread on purpose for that to happen.
For Newcastle, the winger would fit the “young, high-upside” profile they are targeting after Gordon’s exit, but no formal offer has been reported for now.
