Jusuf Gazibegovic is the only new signing at 1. FC Köln so far this winter. Coach Gerhard Struber increases the pressure.
1. FC Köln had been working towards this transfer period for a year. After the registration ban for two change periods, the Cologne team has officially been able to sign new players again since January 1st. So far, however, the second division team has only been able to report enforcement once. Right-back Jusuf Gazibegovic is the Billy Goats’ only new signing to date.
FC coach Gerhard Struber had actually hoped to have his new players together by the start of the training camp almost a week ago. Since the second half of the season for FC begins on January 18th with the difficult away game at Hamburger SV, the integration of the new arrivals should actually take place during the time in Estepona, Spain.
Now, however, Struber has to be patient, FC will travel back to Cologne on Friday evening without any new additions. “Of course you want a lot as a coach,” said the Austrian and showed understanding for the tough transfer activities. “But not everything is so easy to get things sorted out in the winter transfer window. That takes time.”
The negotiations with central defender Joel Schmied from FC Sion have been dragging on for more than three weeks. The club and the player have been in agreement for some time. However, so far the clubs have not been able to agree on a transfer fee. Sports director Christian Keller even left the training camp specifically to reach an agreement on site in Switzerland. However, this is still a long time coming.
Struber also slightly increased the pressure on his sports director on Thursday after the last training session in Estepona. “We know that we have to do one thing or another. It is necessary to get new blood in,” the 47-year-old made it clear, hoping “that one or two things will be announced in the foreseeable future.”
In addition to Schmied, who is supposed to fill the vacancy in central defense, FC is also looking for another center forward. “There are also certain gaps that need to be filled. I assume that we will get there in the next few days,” said Struber confidently.
Meanwhile, there should be no more departures after the three loans from Sargis Adamyan (Jahn Regensburg), Florian Dietz (SCR Altach) and Elias Bakatukanda (Blau-Weiß Linz). Tim Lemperle, who will move to TSG Hoffenheim on a free transfer in the summer, will also stay with FC for the second half of the season despite Sinsheim’s best efforts. “From my point of view, Tim Lemperle is up for discussion in favor of a winter change from zero-comma-Josef,” said Struber with his typical Austrian insult.
When asked about further possible loan deals, the coach said: “We’ll make sure we stay together. Every player who is here enjoys a high level of trust.” In any case, what is much more interesting for the coach is “what might come in.”