Borussia Dortmund ends transfer poker for Said El Mala Borussia Dortmund has pulled out of negotiations for Said El Mala after the 1. FC Köln rejected an offer exceeding €50 million. The BVB will not make another bid for the talented player, as confirmed by sporting director Lars Ricken and sporting director Ole Book. „We have consciously decided not to make another offer“, said BVB CEO Carsten Cramer to BILD. The last offer included a base fee of around €46 million plus bonuses that would have raised the total package to approximately €52-53 million. However, the bonuses were tied to long-term performance goals. ## Why did BVB stop the deal? Köln rejected the offer, prompting BVB to end negotiations. „We made what we considered a valuable offer“, Cramer emphasized. The club prioritizes financial prudence alongside sporting ambitions. ## What does this mean for Borussia Dortmund? With the El Mala saga over, BVB can now focus on other transfer targets. The Black and Yellows finished last season in second place in the Bundesliga (73 points, 22 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses) and aim to close the gap to leaders Bayern München in the new year. ## How is Said El Mala reacting? El Mala trained in Köln on Friday and appeared more relaxed than before. The 20-year-old may now stay with the Billy Goats for the entire season. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Bundesliga, 73 pts, 22W-7D-5L from 34 games, recent form WWLWL.