Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move to sign FC Koln forward Said El Mala, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
The 19-year-old has attracted significant interest across Europe this summer after a standout campaign in the Bundesliga for the German club.
Despite being primarily used as a rotational option, El Mala still managed to score 13 goals and register 4 assists across 34 league appearances, with only 20 of those coming from the starting lineup.
Liverpool have registered their interest in the youngster but have not yet made any concrete progress in negotiations to bring him to Anfield.
The Reds are not alone in their pursuit, with Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Borussia Dortmund all also said to have expressed interest in the forward.
Despite that widespread admiration, El Mala is reportedly becoming increasingly likely to remain at the RheinEnergie Stadion beyond this transfer window.
Koln are holding firm on a valuation of around £43 million, including bonuses, given that El Mala is contracted to the club until 2029.
Brentford came the closest to signing him, having agreed a deal in principle with Koln after matching their asking price, only for negotiations to break down at a later stage.
The collapse reportedly came after El Mala’s mother, who serves as his advisor, requested that Brentford also sign his brother as part of any agreement, a condition the club ultimately chose to reject.
El Mala is a right-footed left-winger standing at 6ft 2in, though he is also comfortable operating on the opposite flank and can provide central cover when required.
The teenager is described as quick, technically sound, and capable of dribbling past defenders in tight spaces while also being efficient in front of goal.
Liverpool’s interest in adding to their attacking options has grown following Mohamed Salah’s departure from the club as a free agent at the end of last season.
The Merseyside club have already moved to bring in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but are keen to add further depth and quality to their front line ahead of the new campaign.
El Mala’s combination of pace, technical ability, and physical profile is seen as potentially well-suited to the demands of Premier League football, making him an intriguing option for Arne Slot’s side.