Köln chief comments on El Mala’s failed transfer to Borussia Dortmund

Köln's Chief Sports Officer Thomas Kessler commented on the failed transfer of Said El Mala to Borussia Dortmund after the two clubs ended discussions. Kessler revealed that Köln had rejected Dortmund's offer which, even with bonuses, would have been above €50 million. Kessler stated, "We were in contact with Borussia Dortmund. In the end, it didn't come to the transfer."

He mentioned that El Mala had expressed his dream of playing for Borussia Dortmund during the negotiations, noting that his behavior showed he was proud to be a player of 1. FC Köln. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund's managing director Carsten Cramer spoke about El Mala's enthusiasm for the transfer during their negotiations. The transfer talks were described as "respectful" by Kessler, but as sometimes happens in such situations, they did not agree, leading to the termination of the transfer.