Brighton & Hove Albion appears to have identified an alternative target to Said El Mala of 1. FC Köln, with another Bundesliga player reportedly on their radar.
According to Sport Bild, the player in question is Bazoumana Toure from TSG Hoffenheim. It is understood that an inquiry was made to the Bundesliga club in early May to explore the feasibility of a transfer.
Brighton has reportedly faced multiple rejections from Köln regarding their pursuit of El Mala. The club is said to be demanding a transfer fee of 50 million Euros for the 19-year-old. However, the team managed by Fabian Hürzeler is unwilling to exceed their self-imposed limit of 35 million Euros and, based on information from the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, has now withdrawn from the bidding. Previously, there were reports of a verbal agreement between El Mala, his brother Malek, his parents, and Brighton for a summer move.
While FC Chelsea and Newcastle United are also rumored to be interested in El Mala, FC Bayern Munich is reportedly «lying in wait,» although a move from the German record champions is considered unlikely. Consistent media reports suggest that the focus for Bayern is on Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) and Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig). For a potential signing of the former, the club’s management has reportedly received the green light from the board, including honorary president Uli Hoeneß.
Liverpool Also Reportedly Interested in Toure
Toure has also been linked with FC Liverpool for some time as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, whose contract is set to expire without renewal. With 17 goal contributions in 29 Bundesliga appearances, the 20-year-old has played a significant role in TSG’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League on the final matchday. The Ivorian, who joined Hoffenheim from Swedish club Hammarby IF in early 2025 for a reported ten million Euros, has a contract until 2029 and no release clause.
Hoffenheim is currently level on points with VfB Stuttgart in fifth place but relies on Eintracht Frankfurt for support. If Stuttgart drops points, TSG could overtake them. Hoffenheim is set to play Gladbach, while VfB has a superior goal difference by five goals.
Statistics: Said El Mala vs. Bazoumana Toure
| Statistic | Said El Mala | Bazoumana Toure |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 | 31 |
| Goals | 12 | 5 |
| Assists | 5 | 12 |
| Minutes Played | 1,958 | 2,449 |