Modeste is “very grateful” to 1. FC Köln
For Modeste, however, it is already the third farewell from Cologne. After coming to FC from TSG Hoffenheim in 2015, he moved to the Chinese first division club TJ Tianhai in the summer of 2017 after his 25-goal season. He returned to the cathedral city after just a year, but was loaned out to the French record champions AS Saint-Etienne in spring 2021 due to a poor performance. After an outstanding 2021/2022 season with 20 goals, the 1.87 meter tall striker is now leaving Cologne again.
Due to the forthcoming transfer on Sunday, the attacker had already stopped playing in Cologne’s home game for the first division start against promoted Schalke 04. The Frenchman had a contract with FC until 2023 and was the top earner in the team with an estimated annual salary of 3.5 million euros.
“I am very grateful to 1. FC Köln for the nice and successful time. Nevertheless, I have now decided to change,” said Modeste: “BVB’s offer gave me a unique opportunity at my age, too To be able to play in the Champions League and prove myself at the highest level. I’m excited about this opportunity and I promise I’ll give my all for the success of the team and the club as a whole.”
The ex-Hoffenheimer played a key role in FC qualifying for the Conference League play-offs last season. At the same time, the club is dependent on transfer income, FC lost midfield clearer Salih Özcan to BVB weeks ago.