At 1. FC Köln, the squad planning for the new season is being carried out with financial caution. Among other things, a fourth division team is to replace Sali Özcan, who was sold for 5.5 million.
New transfer strategy after a successful season: For cost reasons, 1. FC Köln are primarily signing young and cheap players for the coming season, such as 20-year-old Denis Huseinbasic from fourth division Kickers Offenbach. “Sport Bild” sees this as a daring course. Financially, the purchase of the 20-year-old for 50,000 euros stands in stark contrast to the transfer fee of 5.5 million euros achieved for Salih Özcan, whom Huseinbasic is to replace.
Short, compact, clear
Cologne has to rely on cheap players: In the case of further potential changes, Cologne also runs the economy mode. According to those responsible, the club will only sign players who are known to the experts but not to the fans.
Causes of the financial problem: According to sports director Christian Keller, the reason for the financial brake is the transfer surplus of at least eight million euros. In addition, there are hardly any interested parties for the top earners of the club like goalkeeper veteran Timo Horn, who lost his regular place last season.
