Max Finkgräfe before change? Cologne lets star left defenders go!

Max Finkgräfe before change? Cologne lets star left defenders go!

In the past few days, a lot has been indicated at 1st FC Köln that makes the football world listen to in the cathedral city. Young star Max Finkgräfe, only 21 years old, is the focus of change rumors that not only employ the fans but also the club management. According to Kicker he had his breakthrough last season 2023/24, but became a bank press in the following season. Problems of injury and the decisions of his ex-coach Gerhard Struber ensured that his use was reduced to 812 minutes.

Finkgräfe, who only played 138 minutes in the 2024/25 season and was sitting on the bench seven times, has now lost his status as the most valuable player of FC Köln. Its time as a regular is history, and VfB Stuttgart has already shown interest in winter, as Transfermarkt reports. Now the 1. FC Köln is more open to an early change and could achieve between 3 and 5 million euros this summer, since Finkgräbe's contract runs until 2026.

exchange ideas and possibilities

The interest in Finkgräfe is not limited to Stuttgart. In addition to VfB, Eintracht Frankfurt and 1899 Hoffenheim could also be interested in a left -back. At Hoffenheim in particular, Finkgräfe would have the best prospects for playing time, which would be an important step in his career for him.

The question is in the room: Will Cologne look around for a suitable replacement in the coming weeks? In view of the fact that Learst Pacarada is currently the only trained left -back in the squad, Finkgräbe's departure could have an impact on squad planning.

The development of the transfer sums in football

The transfer market is more alive in youth football than ever, where players often switch to larger clubs in youth. This dynamic leads to expensive transfers that stand for the commercialization of football. While the transfer sums for large players are increasing rapidly, they are an opportunity for talents such as Finkgräfe to establish themselves as a valuable professional. The list of the most expensive transfers shows the immense growth in this area: Neymar switched to an incredible 222 million euros to PSG, a record that has long since defined new standards for other transfers, such as em2024

Overall, the development around Max Finkgräfe remains exciting. Those responsible for the 1. FC Köln must now act wisely in order not to have the most valuable professional in the club, which is acted like a promising raw diamond, not to be pulled too lightly. But even for Finkgräfe, a change could be the opportunity to catapult yourself back into the spotlight.