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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterNewcastle United could pull off a high-stakes transfer hijacking that would see them beat Brighton and Hove Albion to the signature of German youngster El Mala, according to Bundesliga reporter Christian Falk.The Magpies are under pressure to deliver a much-improved summer window following a 2025 recruitment drive that many critics felt lacked the top-tier impact required to compete on multiple fronts.To rectify this, sporting director Ross Wilson appears to be adopting the very strategy that made Brighton a recruitment powerhouse: identifying elite global talent before they reach the mainstream. You may like Newcastle United star 'in talks' with Champions League favourites Brighton and Hove Albion rival Bayern Munich for �30m Bundesliga star: 'The Boy's A Bit Special' Newcastle United summer rebuild to begin with �43.5m Brazilian winger: report Newcastle reportedly enter Said El Mala raceNewcastle have already drawn blood in this tactical battle by securing Ecuadorean youngster Johan Martinez.The signing of the 16-year-old, who will arrive on Tyneside from Independiente del Valle when he turns 18 next year, was widely described as a Brighton-type addition.Get VIP Premier League tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Seat Unique is a shortcut to those sold-out, high-stakes Premier League matches that usually feel out of reach without years of loyalty points. By partnering directly with clubs like Manchester United, Spurs, and Everton, they provide 100% official, guaranteed entry without the red tape of memberships or ballots. Its a secure way to bypass the resale lottery and walk straight into the ground with a prime view, making those "once-in-a-lifetime" derbies actually doable.View DealThe Seagulls have become notorious for making low-cost, high-upside acquisitions from burgeoning markets, including Ecuador. Now, Newcastle are in the conversation to repeat the feat with El Mala.According to FourFourTwos "Boys A Bit Special" series, El Mala is one of the Bundesliga's standout players this season and is praised for his unique physical profile.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Don't expect El Mala to contribute to multiple phases of play, but when he gets the ball on the left flank, defenders know he's going to run fast and run hard at goal."Directness is the name of the game with El Mala and you can expect to see a lot more of him on bigger European stages before long."His statistical profile suggests a player who excels in high-intensity exchanges, which could be precisely why he has been a primary target for Fabian Hurzelers Brighton, Bayern Munich and even Chelsea.Any transfer would represent a significant investment, with considerable financial outlay meaning El Mala would likely be Newcastle's marquee signing of the upcoming window.El Mala is valued at 35 million (�30.5m) according to Transfermarkt.TOPICSKlnNewcastle UnitedBrighton and Hove AlbionPremier LeagueBundesligaJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
