Friday, February 20, 2026
Eric Martel is looking for form at 1. FC Köln. The 23-year-old is now part of the Billy Goats’ regular staff again. However, the defensive midfielder is far from his peak performance. Another reason for Lukas Kwasniok: the unclear contract situation. Martel’s contract with FC expires in June 2026. So far, the former U21 national player has not wanted to extend his contract.
“Apart from the next game, footballers are most concerned about their own future,” said Kwasniok. “Not because you have existential fears, but because you are thinking about which step is the right one. And if you are an organized and structured person like Eric, this concerns you a little. That cannot be dismissed.”
Kwasniok still wants to continue to rely on Martel as long as he “shows the same commitment as before. As long as he does that, I will continue to use and protect him.” It was recently announced that Martel and FC wanted to talk about an extension. Until now, the player had left it open whether he would stay in Cologne because he was hoping for offers from top clubs. According to reports, these have not yet occurred.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
The 1. FC Köln hospital is clearing out. At the home game against TSG Hoffenheim, three professionals who were recently missing could return to the squad: Isak Johannesson, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Dominique Heintz. Johannesson is fit again after an illness, Simpson-Pusey and Heintz have recovered from muscular injuries.
