Marvin Obuz has developed well at Rot-Weiss Essen. But a future in Essen has become less likely after the transfer ban against 1. FC Köln.

Rot-Weiss Essen has done a lot right in the 3rd division this season. This also applies to the squad planning in the run-up to the season.

Among other things, Marvin Obuz was loaned from 1. FC Köln for one season. The club thinks highly of the 21-year-old offensive all-rounder. But in Cologne, the going was still too tough for Obuz, and a loan to second-division Holstein Kiel did not bring the breakthrough either.

But now in Essen, the player is taking off. His record at the winter break: 19 games, four goals, six assists. Obuz is Essen’s top scorer. And many RWE fans hope that the third division club can keep the player.

But the transfer ban, which was confirmed by the FC on Thursday, could put a spoke in the wheel here. Especially if Cologne is relegated to the 2nd Bundesliga. Then many players would leave the club, while on the other hand, the Geißböcke are not allowed to sign anyone from outside.

The situation is different for loaned players, who are allowed to rejoin the squad after their return – despite the transfer ban. And that’s why it would be much more difficult for RWE to pry Obuz away from FC altogether.

In an interview with “Geissblog” a few weeks ago, he said: “It’s just really good to play so often and to prove to myself what I can do. Looking back at the past doesn’t count for me right now. I’m just happy to be able to gain playing experience in Essen. It’s really good for me to play from week to week. It helps me and gives me a lot of self-confidence. So I’m happy with how things are at the moment.”

With regard to the Cologne squad, it would be difficult to get the same amount of minutes as in Essen, even if they were to be relegated. Because after a relegation with a calculated transfer ban, Cologne has other issues to deal with than the offensive flanks.

Linton Maina, Jan Thielmann, Florian Kainz or Max Finkgräfe could play here, all candidates who could stay with the club after a relegation. Cologne would have a much greater need in defense or defensive midfield if they were to be relegated, where significantly more personnel would be lost.

Nevertheless, Cologne would certainly find it more difficult to agree to a permanent transfer of Obuz. Especially since the new strategy in Cologne after the transfer ban can only be: We are fully relying on the existing talent, which also includes Obuz.