Pep Guardiola Eyes Up Talented German Winger as Manchester City Rebuild Continues

With several well-loved players departing the Etihad Stadium during the summer, manager
Pep Guardiola has been given the green light to rebuild and refresh his Manchester City squad.
The board backed him fully, allowing the Catalan coach to bring in a number of highly rated talents who are already
beginning to impress fans as they adapt to life at the club.

As deadline day approached, it became clear that Manchester City were working to move additional players out of the squad —
partly to trim the group and partly to free up funds for future investment.
Some insiders expect further departures when the January transfer window opens, sparking plenty of fan speculation
and predictions about who might leave next.

Manchester City Transfer Rumours Ahead of January

While many believe City will not be heavily active in January, the rumour mill continues to link the club
with a few potential targets. One of the more notable names is Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth,
whose release clause is reportedly set to become active in the New Year. The 25-year-old Ghanaian has made a strong
start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, naturally attracting City’s attention.

Pep Guardiola Monitoring German Wonderkid Said El Mala

Another exciting transfer rumour surrounds Said El Mala of FC Cologne — a talented 19-year-old
Germany U21 winger who has rapidly risen through the ranks. The highly promising youngster joined Köln in 2024 but spent
the campaign with Viktoria Köln, where he scored 13 goals in 32 appearances.

For the current season, El Mala has extended his contract until 2030, and in just 10 matches, he has already scored four goals.
His pace, composure, and goal-scoring ability have drawn admiration across Europe, and reports suggest that
Pep Guardiola has personally added him to his scouting radar.

According to Sky Sports Germany, Manchester City scouts have been monitoring his matches closely.
Early estimates indicate that a transfer could be possible for around €40 million,
although such a fee might be considered high given his limited top-flight experience.

Why Said El Mala Fits Manchester City’s Philosophy

Although El Mala is still developing, he fits the mould of the kind of player City have signed in recent years —
technically gifted, fast, and young, with enormous future potential. Guardiola has a strong record of turning raw,
relatively unknown talents into world-class performers, making El Mala a realistic long-term investment.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Said El Mala?

Said El Mala is a 19-year-old German U21 winger playing for FC Cologne, known for his pace and goal-scoring ability.

2. How much would Manchester City need to pay for him?

Reports suggest an estimated fee of around €40 million.

3. Is Pep Guardiola seriously interested?

Yes. Guardiola has reportedly instructed Manchester City scouts to monitor El Mala regularly due to his impressive performances.

4. Will City sign players in January?

City are not expected to be very active in the January window, but one or two additions — such as El Mala — remain possible.

Conclusion

As Manchester City continue their squad rebuild, Pep Guardiola has turned his attention to emerging talents across Europe.
Said El Mala stands out as one of the most exciting prospects linked to the club, and while speculation remains early,
interest appears genuine. With his potential, contract length, and strong performances, the young winger could become
one of City’s smartest long-term investments if the price is right.