Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln will not offer his top scorer Anthony Modeste (34) an extension of his contract, which expires in 2023, for the time being.
“We are currently unable to extend a top contract. Tony knows that we cannot offer him anything beyond 2023 at the moment. When we see more clearly in the autumn what our economic opportunities are, it will certainly look different,” said sports director Christian Keller in the “Express” interview.
Modeste shot the Cologne team into the Conference League with 20 goals last season. “We believe that even at 34 he’s still able to score goals if we use him properly – and the coaching staff will do that. He’s fundamental to this team,” said Keller.
The Rhinelanders want to generate income in the double-digit million range in the summer. “In any case, the aim is not to run a deficit of millions again, as was the case this season,” explained Keller.
The people of Cologne had to cope with a loss of 85 million euros in sales during the corona pandemic and are therefore forced to take austerity measures. “FC is a major restructuring task, both financially and structurally. Those responsible had to be very creative during the pandemic. What was done was necessary – but of course it will have an impact on the future,” said Keller.