FC Cologne in a transfer frenzy: New stars and shaky squad positions!

FC Cologne in a transfer frenzy: New stars and shaky squad positions!

On Sunday, 1. FC Köln presented their second summer transfer and brought a breath of fresh air into the housing. New to the team are Ragnar Ache and Isak Johannesson, who should show the strong performance last season. Ache, who played for 1. FC Kaiserslautern for the last two years and scored an impressive 34 league goals, attracted interest from various clubs, including FC, who only have to pay a release clause of four to five million euros to sign him. But competition from England and Italy could complicate the decision for the striker, whose future is still open. Kicker has already reported that the FC is also looking for a replacement for the departed Tim Lemperle.

In addition to the new additions, the FC can also point to successful contract extensions. Linton Maina remains part of the team and recently extended his contract. In addition, Jusuf Gazibegovic and Joel Schmied have signed long-term contracts, while Imad Rondic is committed until 2029 - even if his future at the club remains uncertain. Julian Pauli has secured a perspective until 2027, and Marvin Schwäbe, the undisputed number one in goal, is also staying in the team. Despite a possible release clause, he plans to continue to look after the FC goal. Come On FC reports that Florian Kainz and Luca Waldschmidt also have a good chance of staying in the squad.

Contract extensions and departures

With Timo Hübers, the captain, another face of the team remains, although he would like to move abroad. And while Damion Downs may be extending his contract, little is known about Denis Huseinbasic. Steffen Tigges, Florian Dietz, Sargis Adamyan and Rasmus Carstensen are weak candidates in the squad. Max Finkgräfe, on the other hand, has made it clear that he does not want to extend his contract, which is attracting interest from several clubs.

In the “farewells” department, 1. FC Köln has already let seven players go. These include Mark Uth, who is ending his career, as well as Dejan Ljubicic and Tim Lemperle, who are moving on a free transfer. Philipp Pentke's contract was also not extended, as was the purchase option for Anthony Racioppi. The overview of transfers shows that the FC recorded an increase of 3.1 million euros with income of 11 million euros and expenses of 7.9 million euros, as can be read on Transfermarkt.

New faces and preparation

When planning the squad for the coming season, talents such as the U17 world champions Neo Telle and Fayssal Harchaoui are also taken into account, who should be given a chance in preparation. Jaka Potocnik is also on loan, while Malek El Mala, Chilohem Onuoha, Elias Bakatukanda and Mansour Ouro-Tagba are also being considered as loan candidates.

So the tension is rising in Cologne, and the fans can look forward to seeing how the squad develops up to the first game of the season. With fresh forces and strategic decisions, FC Cologne is ready to attack the Bundesliga again.