Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on a Bundesliga “sensation”, with two other Premier League giants also circling.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Manchester United, the club have focused on signing young players who could compete for a first-team place in years to come, rather than immediately joining Rúben Amorim’s senior side.
While Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško all took a starting spot in the senior side from the off, several young players joined the United under-21s side with an eye on making their senior debut in later years.
Diego Leon was announced as a first-team signing and could make his debut this season, potentially during the African Cup of Nations when Amad and Noussair Mazraoui leave the club. His performances for the under-21s have already left fans impressed and excited for his future under Amorim.
With Jason Wilcox as the Director of Football, United are likely to continue signing young players with high potential, although the talent in the youth sides must be remembered when new academy talents are purchased.
The Red Devils have already begun preparations for the January and summer transfer windows in 2026, with a new link to another young talent, who could be on the fringes of the senior team if he joins the club.
United eye El Mala alongside two Premier League teams
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system allows for more than one wide forward to be used on each side. On the right, Amorim plays Amad and Mbeumo, both natural wingers, who can combine well and often switch positions during the match.
After Mbeumo’s impressive start to life at Old Trafford, it appears Wilcox wants to sign another traditional winger, who could play in the narrow positions in the front three. Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider has reported that United are “keeping tabs” on Said El Mala, a “Bundesliga sensation”.
The 19-year-old, who plays for FC Koln, has already scored four goals in just nine Bundesliga appearances this season, with two assists as well. El Mala represents Germany at under-21 level and has been tipped for “big things” by his coaches.
Unfortunately for United, Chelsea and Liverpool are also monitoring the young winger, although his current contract will keep him in Germany until 2030. However, if any of the Premier League sides make an offer, Koln could struggle to keep hold of their young talent.
He could be an unnecessary addition
While El Mala is a brilliant talent who could make a big impact on United’s first team in years to come, he would block the breakthrough of left-sided forwards in the academy setup already.
James Scanlon – a full Gibraltar international – will be fighting for the left-sided attacking midfield position in future years, alongside Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
Read More: What Rúben Amorim said about Lisandro Martínez in January is bad news for “excellent” Man Utd star
JJ Gabriel, another left-sided attacker, has already begun training with Amorim’s senior side, despite being 14 years old at the beginning of the season.
The under-18 forward can’t make his debut this season, but is likely to play for the club next campaign if United want to keep hold of the young talent.
Signing El Mala would only block Gabriel and Scanlon from playing, while other young players will also be competing for those spots.
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