After Vincent Müller, Niklas Kölle can also look forward to climbing the career ladder with MSV Duisburg despite their sporting relegation.

Similar to Vincent Müller, whose transfer to Denmark to Aalborg BK was officially announced yesterday, it was also foreseeable for Niklas Kölle that MSV Duisburg would not be able to keep him after their relegation to the Regionalliga West. Now the left-back has found a new club – and it will be playing in the second division next year.

Kölle is moving to third division champions SSV Ulm 1846 on a free transfer. The 24-year-old has signed a contract with the Spatzen until the summer of 2026. It is the first new signing of the summer for the surprise promotion contenders. According to forecasting information, SSV Jahn Regensburg and Eintracht Braunschweig were also interested in Kölle.

Kölle has worn the Zebras jersey since the 2022/23 season. Born in Wolfsburg and trained in VfL’s youth academy, Kölle had previously also played for the U19s and U23s of 1. FSV Mainz 05 and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II and came to Meiderich with the experience of 113 games in the Regionalliga Südwest.

There he was also able to establish himself quickly and was always part of the regular squad despite several changes of coach. Last season, he missed twelve games at the start of the season due to a shoulder injury, but was otherwise a regular starter and contributed five goals and four assists in 26 third division appearances. Kölle made a total of 57 appearances for MSV (ten goals, six assists).

We see further development potential in him and are delighted that he has decided to join SSV.

SSV Managing Director Markus Thiele

“With Niklas Kölle, we were able to sign a player who is very versatile and has also proven his offensive drive this season,” explained SSV managing director Markus Thiele. “We see further development potential in him and are delighted that he has chosen SSV.”

Kölle himself was “very grateful for the chance to play in the 2nd Bundesliga with SSV and to feel the euphoria surrounding the promotion”. Just like fellow promoted team Preußen Münster and SV Elversberg last season, Ulm go into the new season with the momentum of a direct march through.

“I had very good talks with the people in charge, who impressed me both on a sporting and personal level,” emphasized Kölle, adding: “I’ve already been there several times and am really looking forward to the new environment and a successful season. “