Marek's next 885 Bundesliga minutes could decide the El Malas' future

Malek El Mala, 21, has already registered two scorer contributions in just 33 Bundesliga minutes for 1. FC Köln. The striker’s breakthrough follows his younger brother Said El Mala’s earlier rise to the professional ranks. Photo by Jan Huebner (IMAGO) documents the moment.

Malek moved to 1. FC Köln together with his brother Said. Nach his younger brother Said El Mala’s breakthrough, Malek spent an extended period playing only for the club’s second team in the Regionalliga. Recurrent injuries repeatedly set back his progress.

In the Cologne U21 side he scored ten goals in 24 appearances, earning a promotion to the first team. The former German U19 international impressed enough to merit a senior call‑up.

He featured on the last two Bundesliga matchdays before the international break, each time as a late‑game substitute. Against Union Berlin he netted the equaliser to secure a 1‑1 draw. In the derby versus Bayer Leverkusen he entered about fifteen minutes from time and set up his brother Said for the 1‑2 goal.

Contract and future prospects

The 21‑year‑old’s prospects now look considerably rosier. He has shown greater commitment in training and adopted a more professional lifestyle, according to Sport‑ Infos.

In August he and Said signed a contract extension with Köln until 2031, with his salary remaining around €150,000 per year. Since the extension his attitude appears to have improved, benefiting both brothers.

The El Malas would prefer to remain together in any future move, meaning a new club would likely sign them as a pair. Last summer Brentford from the English Premier League showed the strongest interest in Said, but reportedly only in him, not in Malek.

A transfer to England would be difficult for Malek because, as the UK is no longer an EU member, he would not automatically qualify for a work permit.