Borussia Dortmund have shifted their transfer focus to PAOK attacking midfielder Giannis Konstantelias after abandoning their pursuit of Cologne prospect Said El Mala. The German club decided to walk away from negotiations for El Mala after seeing their latest financial proposal turned down by the Bundesliga side.
Dortmund had submitted an overall package exceeding 50 million euros for the 19-year-old German attacker, according to German media reports. Cologne rejected the approach, prompting Dortmund executive director Lars Ricken to confirm that the club will not return with an improved offer.
Collapse of Said El Mala negotiations
The decision by Lars Ricken brings an end to an intense period of speculation surrounding El Mala. Dortmund had identified the teenage midfielder as a major target to strengthen their offensive options, but the failure to reach an agreement with Cologne forced the Westphalian club to pull out of talks.
With the door now closed on El Mala, Dortmund are actively exploring alternative candidates to bolster their attacking midfield. The club management has turned its attention to backup targets who fit the tactical profile sought by the coaching staff.
Rising interest in Giannis Konstantelias
According to Sky Germany, 23-year-old Greek international Giannis Konstantelias has emerged as one of the primary options under serious consideration by Dortmund. Interest in the PAOK playmaker is not new, with German publication Kicker previously revealing that Dortmund officials have been monitoring his performances closely.
Dortmund talent evaluators have been impressed by Konstantelias, particularly highlighting his pace, technical ability, and skill in one-on-one situations. Reports from Sky indicated that Dortmund official David Blacha was present in Anderlecht to observe the attacker in action for PAOK.
Current status of negotiations
Following the end of the El Mala pursuit, Konstantelias has moved higher up Dortmund's internal shortlist. The Greek international has established himself as a key creative figure at PAOK, attracting attention from top European clubs.
Despite the heightened interest, German sources indicate that Dortmund have not yet submitted an official transfer bid to PAOK. No formal negotiations between the two clubs have been initiated so far, leaving any potential move in its early evaluation stages.
