Newcastle open talks with FC Köln for winger Said El Mala

Newcastle United have opened negotiations with FC Köln to sign 19-year-old winger Said El Mala, a move that comes after the club sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for a reported £70 million. The pursuit signals the start of a significant squad overhaul for Newcastle, who finished 12th in the Premier League and will have no European football next season.

El Mala, a German youth international, is one of Europe's most sought-after young talents following a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga. He scored 13 goals and provided between four and five assists in 34 league appearances, with 20 of those being starts. His performances have attracted widespread interest, but a potential transfer is complicated by a unique family stipulation.

The player's representatives, who are his parents, are reportedly pushing for any club that signs Said to also sign his older brother, Malik (also referred to as Malek), a 21-year-old who is also at Köln but has yet to make a senior appearance. This condition was a factor in the collapse of a proposed move to Brentford earlier this week.

According to reports, Brentford had a package worth up to £50 million, including a £45 million base fee, accepted by...