Under coach Steffen Baumgart, 1. FC Köln are having an outstanding season and can even hope to qualify for the European Cup with three games to go. Nevertheless, several top performers are threatened with leaving in the summer.
Three wins in a row, on Saturday (3:30 p.m.) at FC Augsburg the fourth is to follow: 1. FC Köln are swimming on a wave of euphoria in the final sprint of the season – at least as far as sporting success is concerned.
Economically, the clammy residents of the cathedral are still not doing well due to the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. Losses in the high double-digit million range resulted in a significant budget cut. The result: FC must make money through transfers in the summer.
It is also clear that there is little room for maneuver in contract negotiations with professionals whose contracts are expiring. Top salaries will no longer be paid in Cologne in the future.
Seven change candidates at 1. FC Köln?
Against this background, which is quite complicated for the club, there could be some movement in the squad in the coming transfer period, including among prominent professionals.
“Bild” names seven well-known candidates who could leave 1. FC Köln in the summer, above all striker Anthony Modeste.
The 34-year-old Frenchman’s contract, which expires in 2023, has not yet been extended. However, Modeste would like clarity, also about his medium-term future. The club management, on the other hand, is playing for time, especially since the veteran is currently said to be earning a whopping 3.5 million euros a year.
There is already someone interested in Modeste: the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal is repeatedly associated with him and would also have the wherewithal to make a commitment.
1. FC Cologne is fighting for Salih Özcan
The number two candidate for change is Salih Özcan, who played his way up to the Turkish national team after an outstanding season.
The 24-year-old’s contract does not expire until next year. Should the extension targeted by FC not be feasible, a transfer fee would only be redeemable this summer.
In addition to Modeste and Özcan, according to “Bild”, Timo Hübers, Sebastian Andersson, Ondrej Duda, who was temporarily suspended, Ellyes Skhiri or goalkeeper Timo Horn, who was demoted to number two, could also leave FC in the summer.