After months of rumors and speculation, Said El Mala has decided to sign a contract extension with FC Köln rather than make a move to RB Leipzig or Borussia Dortmund. El Mala's decision to extend his contract with the Billy Goats is an interesting one.
The highly regarded young attacker had attracted attention from two of Germany's biggest clubs, but instead stuck with FC Köln, where he should have a clearer pathway to being a starter.
For El Mala, the decision appears to be about more than simply joining the biggest possible club at 19-years-old. Playing consistently, taking on responsibility and continuing his development could ultimately prove more valuable than immediately competing for minutes at Dortmund or Leipzig.
Köln also represents an opportunity for El Mala to further establish himself in the Bundesliga and demonstrate that he belongs at the highest level. If he develops as expected, those clubs may not be the last giants to show legitimate interest:
Not only did El Mala sign the extension, but he was give the No. 10 jersey, which has not been worn in Cologne since the days of Lukas Podolski:

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