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FC Köln: Two new signings and transfer rumors – what’s next?
1. FC Köln have signed Ragnar Ache and Isak Johannesson. With a budget of 12 million euros, further transfers are on the horizon.
FC Köln: Two new signings and transfer rumors – what’s next?
As part of the new transfer phase, 1. FC Köln has already signed two new faces: Ragnar Ache and Isak Johannesson. The expenses for the two transfers add up to almost ten million euros, which makes up a significant part of the rumored squad budget of around twelve million euros. This means that FC has already spent almost its entire budget before the regular transfer window opens, which raises the question: How much is left for further transfers? Come On FC reports that with the signing of Isak Johannesson, which cost around 5.5 million euros, and the transfer of Ragnar Ache, for which around four million euros were paid, coach Steffen Baumgart's squad is facing new challenges.
Let's take a closer look at Ragnar Ache: The 26-year-old, who comes from 1. FC Kaiserslautern, is supposed to strengthen the offensive, which was identified as a weak point last season. In the 2nd Bundesliga he scored an impressive 18 goals in 30 appearances, while FC's top scorers, Tim Lemperle and Damion Downs, only scored 10 goals each. Ache finished the season behind Davie Selke and Martijn Kaars in the top scorers list and was impressive with his robust style of play and heading ability. However, he still needs to work on his willingness to run in order to fit better into the Cologne game system, as an article by T Online determines.
Key roles and transfers
The Cologne transfers come at the right time, especially after Tim Lemperle moved to Hoffenheim. Ache will take on a different role as a central player compared to Lemperle, who often played on the wings or from deep. It now remains to be seen how quickly Ache can integrate into the team. Despite his impressive numbers, Ache also brought some inconsistencies this season: he missed several games and only came off the bench sporadically, which may have influenced his development as a player.
But FC doesn't just have changes in store for new arrivals. Max Finkgräfe, the left-back, has already signaled that he does not want to extend his contract. That makes his departure likely and leaves room for speculative transfers or loan deals. His estimated market value is around four million euros, and there is already interest from Hoffenheim, Frankfurt and Stuttgart, which could be an opportunity for FC to bring fresh money into their coffers. Players like Jan Thielmann, Timo Hübers and Damion Downs, who are under contract until 2026, are still on the club's wish list. Come On FC also highlights that the fate of Eric Martel, the squad's most valuable player, may be linked to Johannesson's signing.
Conclusion: The transfers at 1. FC Köln are an exciting topic that is certainly on your mind, dear readers. The coming weeks will show how FC can act quickly with the remaining funds to further strengthen the squad or compensate for possible departures. The FC is on an interesting path and we can only hope that those responsible will show the necessary skills.