"Everyone has dreams" - El Mala makes future admission amid Premier League links

@runegjerulff Said El Mala has opened up about his decision to stay at 1. FC Köln and his ambitions for the future amid ongoing transfer interest.

FC Köln, with Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund among the clubs to have shown interest. However, he ultimately decided to stay and sign a contract extension until 2031.

In an interview with RTL and Sky, the German international reflected on a busy summer. "I chose Köln because I simply felt comfortable here.

I didn't want to leave, even though there were a lot of enquiries," El Mala said. "Of course, I listened to what everyone had to say.

But I had a lot of discussions with the club's board and the coach, and listened to their plans for the team. Looking at things now, those plans have been implemented exactly as promised.

I want to make the city and the club happy through my performances and those of the team." Although he chose to sign a long-term contract extension, speculation surrounding El Mala's future has continued, with several Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly among those monitoring his situation. However, the 20-year-old is unlikely to remain at Köln forever, with the youngster opening up about his ambitions: "Everyone has dreams.

At some point, I want to achieve great things and play in the Champions League. I can't say when that moment will come."