RB Leipzig plan major bid for Said El Mala after Borussia Dortmund withdrawal

RB Leipzig are preparing a major offer for 1. FC Koln winger Said El Mala as they assess the 19-year-old as their preferred candidate to replace Yan Diomande, who has joined Real Madrid.

The German club is considering a package worth up to €60m for the young Germany international, according to BILD. The proposed deal would consist of a fixed €50m payment, a further €5m in easily achievable bonuses and an additional €5m bonus linked to exceptional performances.

El Mala is highly regarded in Germany and had attracted strong interest from Borussia Dortmund. However, Dortmund’s offer was rejected and the club has since withdrawn from the race, prompting Leipzig to move into contention.

German media have described Leipzig’s interest as a “spectacular turnaround” after Dortmund’s exit from the negotiations. Before Leipzig can formally submit its proposal to 1. FC Koln, though, the club’s supervisory board must approve the move.

That decision is expected to be made during the course of this week. If approval is granted, Leipzig will be able to present its offer to Koln as it looks to complete its plans for the next phase of the squad.

Leipzig had also been monitoring Diego Moreira as a possible option. The Belgian, however, is leaving Strasbourg to join AC Milan, meaning El Mala has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Diomande at the Red Bull Arena.

Diomande has moved to Real Madrid for an exorbitant fee, leaving Leipzig to identify a replacement. El Mala’s profile has made him the club’s main target after his breakthrough campaign with 1. FC Koln.

The winger established himself in professional football last season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in the Bundesliga. His performances helped raise his standing in Germany and led to interest from two of the country’s leading clubs.

For now, Leipzig’s pursuit depends on the supervisory board’s decision. Should it give the green light, the proposed €50m fixed fee, together with the potential bonuses, would represent a significant investment in a player the club sees as capable of filling the attacking role vacated by Diomande.

The interest from Leipzig follows Dortmund’s failed attempt to secure El Mala and could result in the teenager making a major move within the Bundesliga. With Moreira no longer available and Diomande now at Real Madrid, El Mala is currently the favourite to take over from the Ivorian at Leipzig.