Manchester City have stepped up their interest in one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young prospects, FC Köln forward Said El Mana, as Pep Guardiola’s side continue to plan for the future.
According to Bundesliga insider Tobias Altschäffl, via Sport Witness, City’s pursuit of the 19-year-old attacker is “certified,” with the club having made formal enquiries into his availability.
El Mana, who previously attracted a £17 million bid from Brighton, is also on the radar of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain — a clear sign of the growing buzz around the young German talent.
El Mana has made an impressive start to life in the Bundesliga this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in just eight appearances for Köln. His performances have marked him out as one of the division’s most exciting attacking prospects, combining pace, flair, and maturity beyond his years.
Football scout Jacek Kulig described FC Köln forward Said El Mana as a “magnificent” player, highlighting his technical ability and tactical versatility. Though he primarily operates from the left wing, El Mana has also been deployed on the right and through the middle, showing the kind of adaptability that Guardiola values in his attacking players.
While the teenager is unlikely to walk straight into City’s starting eleven, the club reportedly view him as a long-term project.
With Jack Grealish’s future uncertain and Jeremy Doku continuing to develop into a key figure, El Mana could be signed as both a promising understudy and a potential successor in the wide positions.
City’s recruitment strategy under Guardiola and sporting director Hugo Viana has often focused on identifying emerging European talents who fit the club’s style of play.
A source close to the Bundesliga told Sport Witness that City’s interest in El Mana is serious and that scouts have monitored him closely since the start of the campaign.
The same source added that discussions with Köln’s representatives are still at an early stage, but there is optimism that a move could materialize, possibly next summer.
The player himself is reportedly flattered by the attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs but remains focused on his development in Germany. His club, Köln, are said to be open to offers, particularly if a bid in the region of £20 million arrives — a fee that City could comfortably meet if they decide to formalize their interest.
Observers in Germany have compared El Mana’s direct style and composure in front of goal to that of Leroy Sané during his time at Schalke, another Bundesliga export who made his name in England under Guardiola.
For City, signing El Mana would not just be about adding another talented winger but ensuring the club continues to refresh its attacking options for the coming years.
Guardiola’s focus turns to Aston Villa clash this weekend
As speculation about transfers gathers pace, City’s immediate focus returns to the Premier League, where they face a difficult trip to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Guardiola’s side are aiming to maintain their title momentum, but the manager is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting them at Villa Park.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola admitted that Villa have caused his team serious problems in recent meetings.
“They were much, much better than us in the last two fixtures we played at Villa Park,” he said.
“Hopefully it will be different on Sunday. The admiration I have for Unai is so high. He is incredibly consistent, well prepared and so smart, really good.
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“Aston Villa I know they aren’t in the Champions League for a one point. I think in the last nine games they won eight and then just lost the last one at Old Trafford.”
The City manager’s comments underline his respect for Unai Emery’s side, who have turned Villa Park into one of the toughest venues in the league.
Emery’s tactical organisation and counter-attacking efficiency have earned widespread praise, and Guardiola knows his team will need to raise their game after a string of tight encounters between the two clubs.
