The rise of Denis Huseinbasic at 1. FC Köln was certainly more than a noteworthy side note in the past season. Now the U21 national player has probably attracted the interest of VfB Stuttgart.
This is reported by the “Rheinische Anzeigeblatt”. The newspaper claims that the 22-year-old’s management has confirmed an initial contact by the Swabians with the player’s side. The negotiations are still in an early phase. It is therefore not yet foreseeable whether there will really be a deal.
Just last summer, Effzeh got Huseinbasic from Kickers Offenbach for the bargain price of 50,000 euros. The midfielder then mastered the leap from the regional league to the top flight in a remarkable manner.
With 24 appearances in the Bundesliga and four goals, the right foot was one of the discoveries of the season on the Rhine. In the season finale, however, his playing time was reduced somewhat.
Baumgart wants to keep Huseinbasic at 1. FC Köln
The player was probably not prepared for the rapid ascent either. Apparently things were turbulent away from the pitch.
At the end of April, the “Bild” said that several consulting agencies had tried to lure the youngster into their portfolio. There was talk that several agents would try to “turn his head” on Huseinbasic.
Even then, there was speculation about a possible change in the summer to help the creative player get more match practice.
However, Cologne coach Steffen Baumgart emphasized that the billy goats had no intention of letting their top talent go.
“Denis will continue the development he’s making. The boy comes from the regional league. And it would be nice if we didn’t just have a shooting star, but if it took a little longer and we continuously build him up so that he’s constant is a member of the starting eleven,” Baumgart told the “Bild”.
Most recently, his leap in development had led Huseinbasic to the U21 national team. With the DFB juniors, however, he was eliminated from the preliminary round at the European Championships.