El-Mala's transfer to BVB is a bust.

Borussia Dortmund has officially withdrawn from the competition for young talent Said El Mala, after the player’s current club, 1. FC Cologne, rejected the Bundesliga giants' latest offer. This decision was confirmed by club executive Lars Ricken on Friday, following another unsuccessful attempt by Dortmund to secure the winger's services. The German media outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine reports that Dortmund will no longer pursue a transfer for El Mala, who has been a standout performer for Cologne since joining in 2023. El Mala, 22, signed a long-term contract with Cologne in July 2025, extending his stay until June 2030 without an exit clause. During his debut season in the Bundesliga, he scored 13 goals and provided five assists, making him one of the league’s most promising talents. Despite Dortmund’s persistent interest, Cologne has remained firm on its €50 million release clause, which has effectively stalled any potential move. Ricken stated that while discussions had taken place, Cologne’s refusal to accept Dortmund’s offers means the club will not make further attempts. The situation marks the end of a prolonged negotiation process between the two clubs. Cologne has consistently maintained that they have no intention of selling El Mala unless offered a sum close to their valuation. Dortmund, meanwhile, had previously attempted several transfers, though none were successful. Ricken emphasized that the club respects Cologne’s stance and will not continue pursuing the player. In contrast, other Bundesliga clubs have made progress in their transfer dealings. Bayern Munich’s sporting director, Max Eberl, confirmed that the club does not expect to sell João Palhinha, Sacha Boey, or Bryan Zaragoza despite ongoing rumors. Eberl noted that there is “no chance” of reaching an agreement with clubs interested in these players, particularly as the transfer window remains open until September 1. He described the market as “unpredictable” following the World Cup, adding that Bayern will not compromise on their plans. Meanwhile, SV Darmstadt 98 has completed the signing of Dutch forward Milan Smit on loan from Stoke City, with the deal set to last until the end of the season. Smit, 23, joins the second-tier side after playing for Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands before being loaned to Stoke in January. His arrival adds depth to Darmstadt’s attacking options, especially as the club had previously lost key strikers such as Fraser Hornby, Isac Lidberg, and Killian Corredor, who collectively contributed 33 league goals during the previous campaign. Eintracht Frankfurt has also added to its squad by signing Danish midfielder Sofie Lundgaard from FC Liverpool. The 24-year-old will join the Bundesliga side on a contract valid until June 30, 2029. While details of her performance at Liverpool were not fully disclosed, the move signals Frankfurt’s continued investment in strengthening its midfield ranks ahead of the new season.