The first external summer newcomer: The 1. FC Köln has strengthened for the upcoming Bundesliga season with attacker Ragnar Ache from 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
As the climber announced, the 26-year-old receives a contract at the Geißbockheim until June 30, 2029.
Ragnar Ache was bound to the 1. FC Kaiserslautern until 2026. However, his contract in the Palatinate contained an exit clause. According to the “Bild”, almost 4.5 million euros should flow from the Rhine to Betzenberg.
“Already in the first conversations with Ragnar I had the feeling that he fits the 1. FC Köln very well in terms of sport and human,” said FC sports director Thomas Kessler. “He is not only a really good striker, but also a guy who will quickly integrate into our team and improve our offensive with its quality in the top. For our squad planning, the occupation of this position was a central goal – I am all the more pleased that we were able to successfully complete the transfer.”
Ache explained: “When the call from 1. FC Köln came, I just thought: horny! Now I’m really happy that my move to Cologne worked and can’t wait to play here in the Rhein-Energie Stadium. In my last game for Kaiserslautern, I was already able to experience this incredible mood of the Cologne fans, now I want to be on the pitch for the FC-and hopefully often.”
“Successful time” at 1. FC Kaiserslautern
The Lauterers also announced the goal of the striker. “We thank Ragy very much for his successful time at Betzenberg. We wish him all the best for his personal and sporting future in the Bundesliga at 1st FC Cologne!” Said FCK sports director Marcel Klos.
“I would like to thank the FCK and above all with the fans for the very nice past two years. I was accepted extremely well from day 1 and felt very comfortable on the Betze. Overall it was simply a great time that I was never forgotten. Thank you for it,” Ache was quoted in the message.