Pep Guardiola and Manchester City join Barcelona in battle to sign Bundesliga winger: Reports

Barcelona are reportedly set to face competition from Manchester City in the race to sign FC Cologne winger, Said El Mala. The 19-year-old is currently on the radar of both clubs, alongside other European heavyweights.

El Mala has emerged as one of the revelations of the Bundesliga this season. The German international has turned heads in his debut season in the German top flight, registering four goals and two assists in 12 matches across competitions for Cologne.

As per Barca Universal, Barcelona are closely monitoring El Mala. The report claims that manager Hansi Flick is impressed by his display, and the Catalan club are considering a move for the winger as they plan to bolster the left side of their attack.

However, the Spanish giants are not the only top side that have shown interest in El Mala. According to Sky Germany (via SPORT), Pep Guardiola is also a huge admirer of the German star who recently earned his first call-up to the senior national team on the back of his impressive displays.

The Manchester City manager has reportedly watched multiple videos and clips of El Mala and has also sent scouts to Germany to watch the youngster. Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the FC Cologne forward.

Cologne signed El Mala from third-tier side Viktoria Cologne in 2024. However, due to a transfer ban, he joined the side in 2025 and was handed a contract extension until 2030. Should the club agree to part ways with El Mala, he could command a reported transfer fee of about €40 million.

Primarily a left winger, El Mala can be deployed anywhere in the final third. He can also play as an attacking midfielder or on the left side of midfield, making him a utility player and a valuable asset to any club that lands his services in the future.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola rules out a return to Barcelona

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has ruled out a return to Barcelona in an administrative capacity as the club's president. The Catalan club are set to conduct a presidential election next year, with current president, Joan Laporta, entering the final year of his tenure.

In a recent interview with RAC1, Guardiola was asked about the possibility of returning to Barca to serve as club president. He replied:

“Becoming Barcelona president? I don’t reject Barça. You’re always a fan of where you started. But me with a tie in the presidential box? No, I personally can’t see myself doing that."

Guardiola is arguably Barcelona's most successful manager. He won 14 major titles during a five-year stint with the side, including two UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga championships.