1. FC Köln has saved itself into health, even at the cost of relegation. This means it can now invest again, with the departures of Finkgräfe and Downs giving it even more room for maneuver.
1. FC Köln is allowed to become active on the transfer market again after the transfer ban. And the Bundesliga newcomer is taking full advantage of this.
As after the last three promotions to the Bundesliga, there is a major shake-up following the FC’s promotion. This time, several transfer fees are even being paid, because even though former sporting director Christian Keller did not have a lucky hand when it came to transfers, he did get the club back on track financially. plus transfer fees for Florian Wirtz and Ismail Jakobs, the club is in a position to spend up to €25 million. The first €10 million of this sum was spent very quickly, with €5.5 million going to Fortuna Düsseldorf for midfielder Ísak Jóhannesson. 4.5 million euros went to 1.FC Kaiserslautern for striker Ragnar Ache. Right-back Sebastian Sebulonsen followed, moving from Bröndby IF to FC for 2.5 million euros, along with loan players Tom Krauß (FSV Mainz) and Jakub Kaminski (VfL Wolfsburg).
Money also went to replacement goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, with Hannover 96 receiving around €200,000. Marius Bülter, who came from TSG Hoffenheim, cost €1 million.
Up to four defensive players are still being sought by 1. FC Köln
This brings the total to around €14.5 million, including loan fees, which should leave around €12 to €13 million remaining, based on the original plans reported in the Cologne media.
Two full-backs and two center backs are still being sought. The number one full-back is already in Cologne and will be presented after his medical. Kristoffer Lund comes from Italian second division club Palermo and is set to join on loan.
Next on the list is Derrick Köhn from Galatasaray Istanbul. The former Bremen player could cost up to five million euros. Rav van den Berg from Middlesbrough FC is being considered for the center-back position. The center-back, brother of former Schalke player Sepp van den Berg, could even cost up to seven million euros.