Tigges' future at FC Köln: Will he stay or go?

Tigges' future at FC Köln: Will he stay or go?

Steffen Tigges, the 26-year-old striker from 1. FC Köln, faces an uncertain future. This season, the Osnabrück native played 16 second division games, but was unable to record any goals or assists. His contract with FC runs until 2026, and discussions about his further prospects at the club are scheduled to take place in the coming days. Loud Express If there are already trends that indicate a possible departure, should appropriate offers arrive. However, sports director Thomas Kessler is willing to talk and hopes to find a solution that also suits Tigges.

Tigges himself has the desire to stay at FC and show his potential. However, he complains that he did not receive the necessary playing time under the previous coach Gerhard Struber. Last season he only started three games - a fact that curiously coincided with the team's three wins. Now the striker hopes to fit into the requirements profile of new coach Lukas Kwasniok, who prefers a 3-4-3 system with variable strikers.

The reorganization in the storm

However, Tigges' future could also depend on the new arrivals. Ragnar Ache was signed as the new attacker, while the situation surrounding Damion Downs, whose contract extension is still open, remains unclear. Downs' contract also ends in 2026. Imad Rondic, a winter signing, is also keen to prove his abilities in the team. The club's environment emphasizes the need for at least three powerful strikers, as Cologne legend Pierre Littbarski also emphasized.

Tigges himself started his football career at TuS Glane, moved to VfL Osnabrück in 2011 and played there for eight years before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2019. He finally celebrated his Bundesliga debut with the BVB professionals after previously being promoted to the third division with the club's U23s. But since his move to Cologne on July 1, 2022, he hasn't really arrived yet. In 81 games for 1. FC Köln he scored 10 goals and 2 assists.

A look at the competition

The coming weeks will be crucial to see whether Tigges can really take advantage of his chance at FC or whether he has to leave the field. The pressure is growing, especially given the competition on offense. Meanwhile, league rival Holstein Kiel is relying on continuity: head coach Marcel Rapp's contract has been extended until 2028, despite currently being in last place in the table. This shows that changes in squad planning and not just in the coaching question are essential - a lesson that FC should also take to heart.

What happens next with Tigges and FC remains to be seen. The fact is, the ball is now in his court: either he impresses under the new coach or he may have to look for new horizons.