Further plans at 1. FC Köln
1. FC Köln has not yet officially confirmed it, but a transfer from Hannover’s homegrown Linton Maina (22) seemed to be a mere formality based on recent reports. Coach Steffen Baumgart has now confirmed the approaching change. “We hope that we can integrate his strengths well and look forward to him,” said the coach, who also spoke about two safe departures and the further search for players.
“If someone expects us to buy stars – these are our stars: young, hungry players who don’t earn quite as much as at the end of their careers,” Baumgart said in a panel discussion (quoted via “express’) about Maina. “Linton is a viable player and that’s what it’s about. We mustn’t build up pressure right away. He has now had a year or two in which he struggled because he was hyped in Hanover and then went through a low. We believe that he will strengthen us in attack.” Maina is free after the end of the contract at 96. It has been clear for weeks that the native Berliner is leaving the Lower Saxony state capital.
Meyer, Maniche & Co.: 1. FC Köln’s most valuable free transfers
Baumgart said of other newcomers: “What we lacked a bit in the squad this season was speed over the long haul. That’s what we’re looking for and want to develop further. We need young, good players. Of course, players with experience too, but we have them in there,” said the coach, who named Florian Kainz (29), Jonas Hector (31) and Benno Schmitz (27) in this context. Baumgart also assumes that Anthony Modeste (34) will remain. He said: “We have a good framework to build on.”
Departures at 1. FC Köln: No offers for Horn and Schaub
Meanwhile, it is certain that Jannes Horn “did not receive a contract offer”, as Baumgart also confirmed. After the end of the contract in the summer, the full-back will leave the billy goats free of charge. “It’s the same with Louis Schaub,” said the coach. “And Tomas Ostrak will say goodbye to the USA. As for all the other guys, I assume they’ll come back. Nevertheless, we all know what can happen on vacation and preparation. We take it as it comes.”
On the other hand, loan defender Luca Kilian should remain, for whom Baumgart believes the necessary 2 million euros should be available. He emphasized: “I assume so because I have been insisting on it for half a year. I want the boy and I don’t think it would be good after his celebration if he had to go back to Mainz.”
To home page