1. FC Cologne
“Positive step” for Martel extension
14.08.2025 – 4:06 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Eric Martel goes into the season with a expiring contract. However, the chances of an extension have apparently increased for 1. FC Köln.
The first competitive game of the season will be a journey into the past for Eric Martel: From 2012 to 2017, today’s top performer of 1. FC Köln was trained in the offspring of Jahn Regensburg, before moving to RB Leipzig at the age of 15 and finally ended up at the floats in 2022.
On Sunday (3:30 p.m.), the native of Straubinger will be in the Cologne starting eleven when the new cup season starts in Regensburg. “I would not have thought that I would play in Regensburg so often. For me it is nice to see friends and family,” said Martel on Thursday in the run-up to the first round duel. Last year he had been a guest with FC in the 2nd league at SSV Jahn. Then the paths separated: Cologne rose, Regensburg.
The game in Regensburg is therefore associated with a look back at Martel’s career-in the past few months, however, the 23-year-old has always been about the future. After all, the midfielder is one of the Cologne professionals who are only under contract until June 30, 2026.
Those responsible had actually wanted a decision this summer: either an early extension or a sale. Ultimately, Martel agreed to go into the season together and re -evaluate the situation in winter. “The FC would like to extend with me. But I said that I want to wait and see the first round and see how the whole thing develops here,” said Martel’s words in the training camp at the end of July.
The past few weeks in which FC has committed ten new players have apparently increased the chances of a future together with the midfield star. At least now Martel said: “It is a positive step. The transfers we have made in the way we want to play football.” He sees the potential for a common development in the squad.
Martel will accompany this process as one of the leaders. So far it is still unclear who will wear the captain’s armband in the new season – on Friday, at the press conference before the cup game in Regensburg, Lukas Kwasniok wants to ventilate the secret. A decision has now been made behind the scenes, as Martel showed through on Thursday. The Bavarian said with a smile: “The coach will announce that.” According to “Sky”, goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe is to become the new captain and Martel is to become the mouthpiece on the field.