Tottenham Hotspur have been keeping tabs on an in-form winger, but his club’s demands could prevent a move from taking place.
Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a new winger following the departure of Brennan Johnson, who moved across the city of London earlier this month to join Crystal Palace.
Said El Mala has been named as a transfer target for Spurs, with the 19-year-old producing strong displays in the Bundesliga.
However, El Mala is not looking to leave FC Koln and will only consider a move if he feels the club are looking to secure his sale.
FC Koln are demanding a large transfer fee for Said El Mala
Express report that Koln will only entertain offers for El Mala if they are above £43m.
Spurs, along with Manchester City and Manchester United, have their eyes on the winger, but Koln’s persistence for a high transfer fee could be too big an ask.
The club’s vice president Ulf Sobek said: “First, you have to find the right time for such a transfer.
“If we were to sell him now for €50 million, we’d have to pay a significant amount in taxes. So, it’s not always just about the absolute value; you always have to think ahead. What’s important is the bottom line for us when you want to cash in on a gem.
“Ideally, though, I’d like Said to stay with us for a long time and bring us a lot of joy. If a player is worth €50m, he wants a corresponding salary. Then you have to look at the club’s salary structure.”
Only one Tottenham player has outscored El Mala this season
El Mala has scored six league goals this season, which is only one shy of Richarlison. Of course, he is playing in the Bundesliga rather than the Premier League, so this does not mean he would be as prolific at Spurs.
Johnson might not have had a strong all-round game, but he was a goalscorer and Tottenham will be looking to land a winger who will increase their threat in front of goal.
Tottenham’s next most-prolific goalscorer in the current team is actually centre-back, Micky Van de Ven, who has an impressive six goals to his name this season.
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