Newcastle handed perfect chance to replace Anthony Gordon with Said El Mala after talks twist
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Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media Mon 27 April 2026 18:56, UK Newcastle United have been handed a chance to sign Said El Mala after Brighton reportedly pulled out of negotiations with FC Koln.The 19-year-old is of interest to several Premier League clubs amid a Bundesliga season that has seen him net 11 goals and provide four assists.Brighton had thought to have been leading the race, but decision-makers at the American Express Stadium have reportedly been turned off by the asking price. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Newcastle can jump queue in Said El Mala raceFormer Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last month that Brighton are hopeful of signing El Mala this summer.
Should they not arrive, the winger would happily stay for another year, having extended his contract last summer.The door has been left open for Newcastle, who will be in desperate need for a new left-sided forward if Gordon leaves this summer. He is due to have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent of his time out, we will wait and see whether he plays again this season.
Anthony won’t make the game; he… pic.twitter.com/KvVe5BpZir— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 24, 2026 View Tweet It is unclear how much Koln expect for El Mala, but the 19-year-old certainly has both the ability and the energy to play in the Premier League.FC Koln club president bullish on El Mala linksKoln are well aware of the mounting interest in El Mala, and they remain in a strong negotiating position ahead of the summer.Any interested suitor will need to pay their price if they are to sign the 19-year-old, who does not appear to be in a rush to leave.“We would be pretty crazy to just let such a great player go early,” club president Jorn Stobbe told the L’Immo podcast earlier this month. “Of course, we will make him an offer with our network – not just financial, but also in other areas,” he added, when asked about if El Mala could sign another new contract.