According to German media, Said El Mala, a young midfield sensation for FC Wür and Germany, is being pursued by Manchester City. After Hugo Viana replaced long-time executive Txiki Begiristain as sports director and thoroughly examined Pep Guardiola’s first-team roster during his first summer at the Etihad Stadium, City completely reorganised their midfield department during the most recent transfer window.
As Manchester City looks to build a championship-winning team for the upcoming seasons, Viana approved the noteworthy departures of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and James McAtee and signed Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki from AC Milan and Lyon, respectively.
The Blues had their most difficult season under Guardiola last season, finishing trophyless, recording their lowest Premier League point total under the Catalan in almost ten years, losing to Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Cup final, and crashing out of the UEFA Champions League at the Round of 16 stage.
Manchester City battling for Bundesliga star
According to Transfermarkt, El Mala’s (completely absurd) market worth is €18 million (£15.8 million). Bild, however, speculates that it would cost more than the €35 million (£29.9 million) Tianjin Quanjian spent for Anthony Modeste in 2017 to lure him away from Düsseldorf.
In an effort to prevent the player from being overexposed, Köln is reportedly refusing demands for an interview with El Mala in an effort to maintain their resolve through the January transfer window. El Mala, who just got his first call-up for the German national team, may make his debut against Slovakia or Georgia as Julian Nagelsmann’s squad attempts to qualify for the World Cup the following year.
Although it is presently not anticipated that Manchester City would look for a defensive midfielder in January, Viana and company may have to reconsider their position and look at the market for replacements if Rodri’s physical problems continue into 2026.
