Borussia Dortmund withdraws from El Mala race as Cologne demand exceeds €55m
Transfer News·14 August 2026·2h ago

Borussia Dortmund withdraws from El Mala race as Cologne demand exceeds €55m

Source: Forza Roma

Borussia Dortmund has abandoned its pursuit of Cologne forward Said El Mala after the German club's hierarchy decided the asking price was too steep. According to Sky Sport DE, Dortmund rejected a Cologne proposal yesterday valued at €55 million in fixed fees and bonuses. Cologne is demanding more, prompting Dortmund to shift its transfer focus elsewhere.

Roma had also been linked with El Mala, whose valuation presents a significant hurdle for interested clubs. The Giallorossi are exploring alternative targets as they await a response from Porto regarding a move for Mora. Another option being considered is Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais, should the Porto pursuit prove unsuccessful.

El Mala's market value has now become a barrier to any deal, with Cologne's refusal to lower their demands marking a clear statement of intent from the Portuguese side regarding what they believe the player is worth in this transfer window.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Il Borussia Dortmund si ritira dalla corsa per Said El Mala. Secondo quanto riportato da Sky Sport DE il club tedesco dopo un riunione tra i dirigenti ha deciso di abbandonare la pista che porta alla stellina del Colonia che piace anche ai giallorossi. La valutazione, però, spaventa e non poco.…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

More Transfer News

Farioli on Mora: significant interest this week, but available for Rio Ave
Transfer NewsPress Conference AI
just now

Farioli on Mora: significant interest this week, but available for Rio Ave

Porto coach Francesco Farioli addressed speculation surrounding Rodrigo Mora ahead of his side's match against Rio Ave, stating the player will be available for selection. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farioli said: "This week there has been much clamour. We have been bombarded with news 24 hours a day with market rumours, but nothing more. Rodrigo Mora is a great professional, he is a Porto player, a great fan of the club and we will use him when we deem it appropriate. There is nothing new. The market is always like this. I do not agree with the fact that the market is open while we play, but it is absolutely normal and requires professionalism from all parties involved. The clubs that negotiate, the players who are the heart of what we do and we coaches must be sensitive to all issues." AS Roma and Porto continue to negotiate over Mora, though Roma are also evaluating alternative targets. Lyon midfielder Fofana is on their list of options as they pursue a defensive reinforcement in the current transfer window.

Roma maintain interest in Rodrigo Mora as Nkunku–Soulé swap ruled out
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Roma maintain interest in Rodrigo Mora as Nkunku–Soulé swap ruled out

Roma continue to pursue Rodrigo Mora in an active transfer window, with sporting director D'Amico also evaluating alternative targets. According to Sportitalia, Lyon's Fofana is among the backup options; the French club has lowered its asking price and Roma will turn to the Belgian midfielder if talks over Mora break down. Nkunku, who was sought by Roma in January, remains under consideration, but a swap involving Matías Soulé has been ruled out. Soulé continues to attract interest from AC Milan. Nkunku faces significant competition for his signature, having fallen out of favour under Amorim's management, and several foreign clubs have made enquiries. Gasperini awaits the forward reinforcement he requires, having hoped to secure the player before mid-August, though further patience will be necessary.

Roma hold back on Luis Henrique as wage demands prove too steep
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Roma hold back on Luis Henrique as wage demands prove too steep

Roma's pursuit of Luis Henrique has stalled over the Brazilian winger's salary expectations. The club views his wage demands as excessive, with the Inter player seeking a significant pay rise above what he currently earns at the Nerazzurri. According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are on hold as Roma assess both the financial gap and their strategic priorities. The impasse reflects broader concerns at the Giallorossi. While the gap with Inter remains a secondary factor, Roma's primary focus is addressing the left-sided attacking position—a core squad need that may take precedence in the coming weeks. Henrique's request for improved terms has pushed any deal into the background.

Feedback