1. FC Köln: Kessler virtually confirms Diehl’s departure to VfB Stuttgart

Before moving to VfB Stuttgart

After several media outlets reported on Tuesday evening that Justin Diehl would be leaving 1. FC Köln in the summer and would probably move to VfB Stuttgart on a free transfer (to the article), the club reacted a day later with little surprise. Licensing department head Thomas Kessler confirmed that talks about extending the expiring contract with the 19-year-old striker had failed.

rumor
	J. Diehl
	Left winger
1.FC Cologne II 57% VfB Stuttgart Regional League West Bundesliga

“Justin is a person in whom we have invested everything to convince him that FC is still the right path for him to take the next steps in professional football in the next few years. “Unfortunately, the discussions to date have not resulted in us being able to reach an agreement with him,” the former goalkeeper was quoted as saying by the “Geissblog”. It is therefore “completely normal” for FC homegrown Diehl to talk to “other clubs,” said Kessler, without directly addressing VfB. “We would be very sorry if he left us, but it is the decision of the player and his stakeholders,” the manager continued.

Kessler noted critically that Diehl had already passed the medical check in Stuttgart, where he is supposed to sign until 2029, saying that Cologne had not been informed about it: “A player whose contract is expiring is allowed to talk to other clubs from January 1st also sign a contract. A medical check is also important. You’ll have to ask Justin Diehl’s stakeholders whether this happened. And whether that’s the right thing to do, that we’re sitting here today not knowing that, is something you can also discuss with Justin or his stakeholders.”

VfB Stuttgart as a development center for young players: Are Diehl and Maza coming?

Diehl didn’t play a role for the Cologne professionals for a long time this season because former coach Steffen Baumgart deliberately chose not to use the youngster – because of his lack of commitment to his youth club. After the coaching change to Timo Schultz, Diehl played 158 Bundesliga minutes spread over six appearances. Previously, he scored twelve goals and nine assists in 19 appearances for the reserves. He is currently suffering from a muscle injury. Back in January, “Kicker” reported on talks between Diehl and VfB. According to “Bild”, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen were also interested in signing him.

VfB has once again made a name for itself as a good development center for young players in recent years, and club boss Alexander Wehrle also knows Diehl from his time in Cologne. VfB is also said to be interested in Hertha talent Ibrahim Maza (to the news).

rumor
	I. Maza
	Offensive midfield
Hertha BSC U19 29% VfB Stuttgart A-Juniors Bundesliga North/Northeast Bundesliga

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