United’s pursuit of red-hot 6’2 winger under threat as PL rival plots insane tactic to secure his signature – report

Manchester United are increasingly at risk of missing out on Said El Mala as Brighton & Hove Albion plot a unique tactic to secure the German starlet’s signature, according to a new report. Left Wing is a Priority The Red Devils are targeting a new left-winger this summer, given the lack of natural options in comparison to the well-stocked right-hand side. Last night, caretaker coach Michael Carrick secured his fifth win from six games since taking the reins at Old Trafford in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s explosive departure in January. However, it was a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a stubborn Everton side, with a dearth of attacking quality from both sides at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. It was the type of game that exposed United’s inability to maintain width down the left, as Matheus Cunha prefers to cut inside, while Luke Shaw lacks the physicality to offer a consistent overlap from full-back. The Brazil international produced a brilliant pass late in the match to set free Bryan Mbeumo down the right, who then fed the rampaging Benjamin Sesko to finish with aplomb past Jordan Pickford and secure all three points. But the squad would feel far more balanced with a pure left-winger to offer an alternative to Cunha, with Patrick Dorgu – currently ruled out with a hamstring injury – dropping back to left-back to provide the attacking thrust Shaw is incapable of delivering. One of the club’s primary targets, Iliman Ndiaye, was in fine form for the Toffees, causing United’s defence problems in the second half with his dizzying dribbling and two-footedness. Another key option is RB Leipzig speedster Yan Diomande, whose breakout season in Germany has put the Ivorian winger in the crosshairs of every major club in Europe. The Red Bull club are understood to be asking for up to €100m for their 19-year-old starlet, however, making a deal difficult. Everton will also demand a huge fee for Ndiaye, comparable to the one paid for Mbeumo last summer, with United expected to prioritise a revamp in central midfield instead. This has led to cheaper alternatives being considered on the left wing – with FC Köln’s sensation El Mala emerging as a player with many admirers at Old Trafford. However, the 19-year-old winger, who has an outside shot at making Germany’s squad for the World Cup this summer, is also being closely tracked by Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. But it is Brighton who are said to be leading the race for El Mala, as they plot a unique tactic to fend off their Premier League rivals to sign the youngster this summer. A Family Affair The Times reveals the Seagulls tabled a £22m bid in January, having already made an approach to sign El Mala last summer while he was on loan in the German third division. The winger’s rapid rise this season has only strengthened the south coast side’s desire to secure a deal. He has returned eight goals and four assists from 23 appearances in the Bundesliga, though only 10 of these have been starts. Said El Mala Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Bundesliga23841–1,126′ DFB-Pokal2––1–80′ Total25842–1,206′ El Mala is averaging a goal contribution every 94 minutes on the pitch and has become the “focal point” of Köln’s attack. He stands nearly 6’2, possessing a potent pairing of speed and size for a flying winger with an excellent technical base. It is little wonder clubs in England are on the Germany U-21 international’s tails, given how well his profile as an attacker translates in theory to the Premier League. Brighton have even gone as far as expressing interest in El Mala’s brother, Malek, who plays for Köln’s reserves in the fourth division, as a means of convincing the 19-year-old winger to move to the Amex. A double raid for two brothers is a novel way to convince the more talented one to join your team, though there is precedent for it, even at Europe’s biggest clubs. Final Thoughts El Mala is an outstanding prospect who offers an excellent blend of physical and technical attributes. His ability to already be decisive in the opposition box, despite limited opportunities and only turning 19 this season, is a hugely promising sign for the future. However, if his signature requires the signing of a fourth-division prospect from Germany at the same time, United would be advised to look elsewhere this summer, rather than pander to a request which is likely to only spell trouble later on. Feature image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.