Tim Lemperle will leave 1. FC Köln after this season. Sports director Christian Keller confirmed what had recently been indicated on Friday.
Sports director Christian Keller’s statements about Tim Lemperle’s future were no longer really surprising. After Dusan Jevtic, the FC striker’s agent, announced his departure from 1. FC Köln during the week and at the same time criticized those responsible in Cologne for their actions, Keller confirmed on Friday that the 22-year-old would be moving on a free transfer next summer.
“It’s right that Tim told me and Thomas Kessler that he wanted to leave FC because he wanted to take on a new challenge,” said the Cologne sports director, who left two days before the away game at 1. FC Kaiserslautern instead of the license area team. Head Thomas Kessler spoke at the press conference. At the same time, however, Keller assured: “He has been at FC with all his heart and soul for so long.”
An early sale in the winter in order to generate a transfer fee six months before the end of the contract is not an issue for FC. The currently most successful goalscorer (eight goals) is too important for the promotion project for 1. FC Köln. “Tim will play an important role for us in the second series. Not just because he will hopefully score a few more goals. But because he also has an important role and a standing in the team.”
The managing director did not comment on the criticism from Jevtic, who accused Keller in “Sport Bild” of having “no interest” in an extension with Lemperle. The 46-year-old also found appreciative words for Lemperle’s advisor. “If you look at the last two years, everyone involved in career planning has done a good job. This includes the advisor.” Lemperle has made “very good development” through his loan to SpVgg Greuther Fürth, so that he now plays an “outstanding role” at FC.
After Lemperle’s return from Fürth, there were intensive discussions between the players and the club in the summer, Keller confirmed. There should not have been an early extension of the contract, which expires in 2025. Rather, those responsible had to convince Lemperle to stay for a short time this season. The striker had also flirted with a move to Belgium because he was reportedly worried about his playing time at FC.
However, as is well known, these were unfounded. Lemperle is one of the top performers in coach Gerhard Struber’s team. Nevertheless, the player sees his future at another club. You have to ask Lemperle himself why “another option is currently even more attractive for him” (Keller). At least currently, FC cannot guarantee that they will play in the Bundesliga next season. And Lemperle really wants to go there in six months. According to reports, TSG Hoffenheim is the chosen destination.