Collapse of high-profile talks. Borussia Dortmund pulls out of signing German superstar

Said El-Mala's move to Borussia Dortmund this summer has been officially called off.

Details: Dortmund club executive Lars Ricken made it clear in a live interview with Funke Mediengruppe that the team has ended all attempts to sign Cologne's 19-year-old winger Said El-Mala.

According to the official, both sides conducted open negotiations, but Dortmund's latest offer was rejected, prompting BVB management to withdraw from the race for the player.

"Said El-Mala is not a Borussia Dortmund player and will not become one this summer. In recent days, we held open talks with Cologne's management, but they turned down our final offer. Borussia Dortmund will not make a new bid and will no longer pursue the transfer of this player," Lars Ricken stated.

As reported by Sky Sports, the key stumbling block proved to be financial demands. Cologne insisted on a guaranteed fixed fee of €50 million, while Borussia Dortmund offered a slightly lower base payment with easily achievable bonuses that could have pushed the total transfer package beyond €55 million.

The reputable portal Transfermarkt values the 19-year-old German footballer at €45 million.

Reminder: Record-breaking €55 million! Borussia Dortmund makes new bid for Cologne super talent