Brighton eye potential Kaoru Mitoma replacement with six players' futures in doubt this summer

Brighton continue to be linked with a bold move for German attacking ace Said El Mala.

The Cologne winger is making quite an impression on the Budesliga this term and has also been targeted by Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

El Mala, 19, mainly plays from the left flank and has an impressive nine goals and four assists in the German top flight so far this term.

The German under-21 international does though have a hefty price tag of a reported £50m, which would easily surpass Brighton's transfer record of the £40m they paid to sign Georginio from Leeds United in 2024.

El Mala is contracted with Cologne until 2030 and it is believed that Bayern Munich also have an option to match any bid that arrives for him.

The Seagulls have been linked with El Mala for sometime now and he could be seen as a long-term successor to Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton's current No 1 option on the left flank.

It would be a major piece of business for Brighton and quite a scoop if they can get this over the line on the summer, especially with a number of top clubs lurking.

Albion are also said to be keen on his brother, Malek, who also plays for Cologne as a defender. That could work in Brighton's favour if they can secure a deal for both.

Six players on the move?

It's set to be a busy summer at Albion as a number of players plan their next steps. Here's six who could be leave the Amex Stadium this summer

Matt O'Riley

The £25m signing from Celtic has struggled to establish himself at Brighton under Fabian Hurzeler. He spent the first half of the season on loan at Marseille and then returned in January.

He has made just one appearance from the bench since then and his future looks very much up in the air. He is contracted until June 2029 and has previously been linked with Roma, Atalanta, Everton and Juventus. Albion would love to recoup their money on this one.

Brajan Gruda

Another £25m arrival who is yet to fulfil his potential at Brighton. The German under-21 international has shown brief glimpses of his potential but nothing as yet to suggest he can be a consistent force in the Premier League.

He left last January to join Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig for the rest of the season, with no option to buy. He will return this summer and his future will assessed. He is contracted with Brighton until June 2028.

Evan Ferguson

The Ireland international striker suffered another injury setback while on loan at Roma. The 21-year-old has undergone ankle surgery and will now start his rehabilitation ahead of the news season.

Ferguson said he learnt a lot during his spell in the Italian capital and Hurzeler expects to have a hungry and motivated player when he returns for pre-season this summer. Ferguson is contracted with Brighton until June 2029. His value may have slipped of late but he remains a top class finisher and Premier League quality player... IF he can stay 100 per cent fit.

James Milner

The 40-year-old midfielder has proved his worth in the last three matches and has played a vital role in turning Albion’s season around with starting roles in the wins against Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.

Milner is out of contract this summer and admits that he’s not sure what the future holds for next season. His teammate Danny Welbeck wants “one more year” for Milner and Hurzeler has also stated he wants to work with Milner again next term.

Joel Veltman

The experienced Dutchman is out of contract this summer and has been linked with a return to Ajax. The 34-year-old has proved to be one of Albion’s best value signings in their Premier League era, having joined for £900,000 from Ajax in 2020.

Veltman is behind Mats Wieffer for the right back role at the moment and Albion will likely target a new specialist right back in the transfer market market this summer. Remains a reliable and trusted figure for Hurzeler when called upon.

Carlos Baleba

It’s been a hugely disappointing season so far for the Cameroon international. Last season he looked every inch Brighton’s next £100m-plus departure but he’s looked way off the pace this term.

The transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United last summer has clearly disrupted him and he has not looked physically fit enough or focused enough to perform week in week out in the Premier League.

He may well leave this summer but his value has likely dipped a little from last season. The 22-year-old is contracted with Albion until June 2028.

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