1. FC Cologne: Important discussions with second division captain Robin Fellhauer!

<ol> <li>FC Cologne: Important discussions with second division captain Robin Fellhauer!</li> </ol>

At 1. FC Cologne there are signs of transfer activities that are intended to strengthen the team for the coming Bundesliga season. A hot rumor is making the rounds: Robin Fellhauer, the captain of SV Elversberg, could soon move to the Rhineland. After a conversation between Fellhauer and FC sports director Thomas Kessler on Thursday, those responsible at FC seem to be very interested. Several factors speak in favor of a move for the 27-year-old, who was recognized as one of the best defensive midfielders of the last second division season. T-Online reports that Fellhauer was involved in nine goals last season - he scored five goals himself and prepared four more.

With an exit clause in his contract, which runs until 2027, the transfer could even be cheap for Cologne. However, this must be activated by the end of the month, otherwise a replacement fee would be due. The competition doesn't sleep either, as SV Werder Bremen has also expressed interest in Fellhauer. In the FC managers' considerations, he could take on a central role in midfield, possibly together with the young Eric Martel.

Reinforcements and departures

A further look at the squad structure reveals that the new coach Lukas Kwasniok has chosen Fellhauer as his dream player. Special attention will also be paid to the whereabouts of Elias Bakatukanda, who will continue to play on loan at Blau-Weiß Linz in the coming season. Kessler emphasizes the positive development of the talent. Jaka Cuber Potocnik is also expected to go on loan in order to gain useful experience in a higher competition than the regional league.

But 1. FC Köln doesn't just have positive news; Dejan Ljubicic has left the club for Dinamo Zagreb on a free transfer. He signed a multi-year contract there and leaves with a record of 16 goals in 122 competitive games. On the other hand, Matthias Köbbing was able to extend his contract until 2027 and remains at FC as a training goalkeeper. A contract extension is still pending for 19-year-old Alessandro Blazic, who has also started training with the U21s.

Cup draw and challenges

In addition to the transfer rumors, there are also cup challenges for the club. 1. FC Köln has to play against SSV Jahn Regensburg in the DFB Cup for the third time in five years. After disappointing penalties on penalties in 2021 and 2022, FC wants to get a successful start to the season this time. Kessler expressed his wish to start the season with a strong performance in Regensburg.

This news has fans and those responsible at 1. FC Köln looking forward to the coming weeks. The ambitions for the new Bundesliga season are clear: the club wants to strengthen itself and finally become more successful again.

For further information on transfers in the 2nd Bundesliga and the current transfer policy, interested readers can visit Transfermarkt.