A move to England currently appears unlikely for the 19-year-old, with Borussia Dortmund and a further season in Cologne seen as the two most realistic outcomes. According to Express, though, RB Leipzig have now registered significant interest too, with the Cologne newspaper suggesting Jurgen Klopp could be behind the move.
Jurgen Klopp, a self-confessed admirer of El Mala, is reported to have set relevant plans in motion weeks ago. He is expected to sign shortly as Germany's new national team head coach, though he remains under contract as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer for now, a role that gives him influence over Leipzig's football operations.
El Mala enjoyed a breakout debut season in the Bundesliga, scoring 13 goals and adding five assists to establish himself as one of the most coveted young talents in German football, a return that has attracted interest from clubs both at home and abroad.
His mother, who also acts as his adviser, is reported to have already turned down interest from an English club on his behalf, while Dortmund remain seen as favourites for his signature, with any sale of Karim Adeyemi potentially freeing up funds to reinvest in a move for El Mala.
Klopp's growing involvement adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the transfer saga, with reports suggesting he could fast-track El Mala into his first Germany squad in the autumn if he is confirmed as national team coach in time, regardless of which Bundesliga club he ultimately plays for by then.
The uncertainty surrounding El Mala's future stems partly from Germany's disappointing World Cup campaign, which has left the national team set for wholesale changes under a new head coach. El Mala was not part of Julian Nagelsmann's squad in the United States, having been overlooked despite his impressive breakthrough season, a decision that drew criticism given his form.
Koln would prefer to keep El Mala for at least one more season if a sale cannot be agreed on favourable terms, but accept his rapid development makes an exit increasingly likely.