'He's one in a million' - Manchester United's 'most sensible' option in race for new Florian Wirtz

Cologne is poised to feel a sense of justice as Premier League clubs are expected to line up for their homegrown superstar Said El Mala for the second consecutive summer. The club, nicknamed 'The Billy Goats,' considers El Mala the Bundesliga's biggest breakout star this season, and his success is seen as righting the wrongs of losing Florian Wirtz.

The pain of Wirtz's departure remains fresh for Cologne, as he joined Liverpool in June for a then British transfer record of £116.5 million. Wirtz, now 22, was developed in Cologne's academy before being signed by Bayer Leverkusen for only £265,000 five years ago. Cologne believes Leverkusen broke a 'gentleman's agreement' regarding youth stars by poaching Wirtz, a move that stung even more when he was later sold for over 400 times his original value.

Now, Cologne stands to make a massive profit on El Mala, Wirtz's compatriot, who has taken the Bundesliga by storm this year. The club signed the teenager and his older brother Malek from city rivals Viktoria Koln in 2024, but due to a transfer ban, both were loaned back to the German third-tier side last season. After scoring 13 goals and providing five assists for Viktoria, El Mala joined Cologne this summer on a contract until 2030.

The 19-year-old has seamlessly adapted to the two-division jump, scoring a last-gasp equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen on Saturday. In just 501 minutes across 12 Bundesliga appearances, the 6ft 2in winger has already netted five goals and provided three assists.

European football expert Andy Brassell highlighted El Mala's impact, noting he is undoubtedly the star of the team. Brassell described him as a relatively young player with limited first-team experience who dares to dribble, is quick, and has excellent ball control. His fearless style and authentic winger qualities have earned him a rapid call-up to the German national squad, making him an exciting and reassuringly old-fashioned talent to watch.