Waiver of Özkacar’s purchase option
©IMAGO
1. FC Köln has confirmed that there is movement in the transfer poker around Said El Mala. In a media round on Tuesday, sports director Thomas Kessler spoke of a concrete offer that the club would consider. The decision has already been made for Cenk Özkacar, whose purchase option will not be exercised after the loan.
Most recently, Kessler emphasized with regard to El Mala that he had not received any serious offers. “That has changed,” he said now, without revealing the club. “We have now reached a region where I would be willing to talk.” The hottest lead should lead to Premier League club Brentford FC. Loud “Picture” and “ExpressThe Bees offer a basic transfer fee of 40 million euros. Up to 5 million euros in bonuses as well as income from a resale share of 15 percent could be added.
| rumor | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | S. El Mala |
 | ||||||||
Left winger | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
But a move to England is by no means certain, says Kessler. “You don’t have to reduce it to one country. If you look at Said based on data, there are probably only a few clubs in Europe that don’t stumble over him. Whether they are then able to pay the prices that 1. FC Köln imagine is a different question.” The market value of the 19-year-old winger will jump again by 35 million euros in the Bundesliga update on Wednesday despite not being nominated for the World Cup.
1. FC Köln waives Özkacar’s purchase option: return to Valencia
Effzeh will forego the services of central defender Özkacar next season. The 25-year-old was part of the regular staff in the second half of the season and was also placed under René Wagner after the coaching change. Nevertheless, the purchase option, which is around 2 million euros below the market value, will not be exercised. The sticking point is the high salary at the LaLiga club, where the contract is valid until 2028.
“It hurts my heart to say goodbye. He is a great character who immediately wished us all the best for the future in the conversation in which we told him our decision. He is a very positive person, you could also feel that in the dressing room. Nevertheless, we decided not to use the purchase option because we are looking for a different profile in central defense. We wish Cenk only the best for his future,” explained Kessler.
Özkacar, who played a total of 27 games, added to the team and the FC fans: “I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making me and my family so welcome during this season and for making us feel at home. Fighting for this coat of arms, playing in front of these incredible fans, was an unforgettable experience. I wish you all only the best for the future. This club and the people of Cologne will always have a special place in my heart.”
