Brighton’s pursuit of highly-rated winger Said El Mala could collapse if Fabian Hurzeler leaves the club.
That is the view of European football journalist Andy Brassell amid interest in Hurzeler from Bayer Leverkusen.
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The German side could be on the hunt for a new manager this summer with current boss Kasper Hjulmand’s future at the club currently uncertain after a recent dip in form.
Leverkusen eye Hurzeler
talkSPORT understands Leverkusen hold a genuine interest in Hurzeler following reports in Germany that the Bundesliga club have been monitoring his availability.
However, sources at Brighton say the club are hopeful he will stay for at least another year.
Hurzeler, who has been in charge since 2024, is currently contracted until next summer.
His side sit tenth in the Premier League with seven matches of the season remaining.
The Seagulls could still qualify for Europe this term, with just six points separating them from the top six.
Brighton’s transfer plans
Meanwhile, Hurzeler’s future could play a key role in Brighton’s summer transfer plans, according to Brassell.
In particular, their pursuit of Koln winger El Mala is expected to be heavily impacted by whether their German manager remains in charge.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Brassell explained: “Said El Mala will be going at the end of the season, I think that’s most likely.
“He’s had quite a frustrating season because he got called up for the national team by Julian Nagelsmann and then hasn’t got any further than that.
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“He didn’t get called for this international break, partly because Lukas Kwasniok, the now ex-coach of Koln, wasn’t picking him for all those games, although he’s weighed in heavily in some of those big games.
“Now, interestingly, he seems to have agreed in general principle, a move to Brighton at the end of the season.
“But this is resting on something very particular, because part of the reason that Said El Mala and his family are willing to trust his future to Brighton is because of Fabian Hurzeler, who’s not guaranteed to stay.
“And interestingly, in another little twist, who would be interested in Hurzeler other than Bayer Leverkusen?”
Brighton are keen to win the race for the 19-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
As part of the club’s plans to lure El Mala to the south coast, the Seagulls are prepared to sign his brother Malek in order to give them the edge in negotiations.
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The 20-year-old striker also plays for Koln, where he signed a new five-year deal last summer.
As for the younger El Mala brother, he has scored ten goals and added four assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances this season.
Despite being called up to the senior Germany squad for the first time in November, he is currently with the under-21 side.
The teenager has won six caps for his country at under-21 level after previously featuring for the under-18s and under-19s.
