Hoffenheim has denied rumors of a transfer of Said El Mala. The Bundesliga club quickly dispelled the transfer rumors on Saturday. The „Express“ had previously reported that the Kraichgauer were planning a move for El Mala. According to this, the TSG wanted to put together a big package and lure him with a high transfer fee, expensive salary, and long-term contract.
Hoffenheim qualified for the Europa League this season and increased the squad value by almost 50 percent since July 1, 2025. Nevertheless, it was clear that a transfer would not be feasible from an economic point of view.
For Köln, the poker game around El Mala could drag on for a long time. Managing Director Philipp Türoff said on Friday that it could „take until the last day of the transfer period. This is not a scenario we strive for, but we cannot rule it out.“
| Date | League Position |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2026 | 5th place, 61 points, 18W-7D-9L |
| June 30, 2026 | 28 points behind Bayern München |
