Following Eric Martel’s free transfer from 1. FC Köln to 1. FSV Mainz 05, Salih Özcan, who is also departing from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer, has emerged as a potential candidate to fill the void.
According to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, the interest in a remarkable return for Özcan is gaining concrete shape.
While some within Köln’s circle express doubts about the 28-year-old defensive midfielder’s salary expectations being too high for the club, the behind-the-scenes reality appears different. The report indicates that there has already been direct and intensive communication between FC’s management and the player’s representatives. However, no specific financial figures have been discussed yet.
Özcan was recently bid farewell by Borussia Dortmund after four years. It is no secret that the Cologne-born player, who wore the FC jersey for nearly 15 years before his departure in the summer of 2022 (including a loan spell at Holstein Kiel), still holds a deep affection for his hometown club. Under certain circumstances, the national team player is said to be open to rejoining his beloved club. This is especially true given his frustrating season at BVB, where he had a difficult time under coach Niko Kovac and often found himself on the bench. In stark contrast, his performances for the Turkish national team are highly valued, and he is a regular fixture in their squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Özcan Reportedly Has Multiple Interested Clubs
However, FC is not the only club vying for Özcan’s signature. After a potential move to FC Genoa fell through last winter, Werder Bremen is now reportedly showing interest. There are also unconfirmed rumors linking him with top Turkish clubs.
For Köln’s Sporting Director Thomas Kessler, contact with Özcan has remained consistent. Should all relevant committees within the club give the green light, the deal could be completed swiftly. Özcan, with his experience from 177 Bundesliga matches, 28 international caps, and 19 Champions League appearances, would bring the much-needed robustness and leadership qualities that the current squad lacks. Furthermore, as a versatile defensive and central midfielder, he could address two significant midfield weaknesses for Köln simultaneously.
Overhaul in Köln’s Midfield?
With their successful relegation escape, Köln has triggered the purchase obligation for Tom Krauß, who will now join permanently from Mainz 05. Isak Johannesson’s stay is also confirmed. Regarding Denis Huseinbasic, the club has already made a decision: although the Bosnian has a contract until 2027, he is expected to leave prematurely if a suitable offer arises.
The future of the 19-year-old talent Felipe Chavez is also uncertain. The youngster only played 108 minutes in the second half of the season, making it highly questionable whether FC will exercise the purchase option agreed upon with FC Bayern, which is in the mid-single-digit million range (including a buy-back clause for Munich).
Köln Aims for Two New Central Midfielders
Kessler has therefore already identified alternatives, as the club intends to sign two new players for the midfield. The Danish U21 national team player Silas Andersen (BK Häcken) was a strong candidate in the winter but ultimately extended his contract in Sweden.
Romantic notions of Ellyes Skhiri’s return are also circulating. However, the 31-year-old Tunisian is currently tied to Eintracht Frankfurt until 2027, raising too many doubts at FC about the economic viability of such a package.
English Translation:
The talks are reportedly already underway: Will Salih Özcan remain in the Bundesliga after leaving BVB?
1. FC Köln is losing Eric Martel on a free transfer to 1. FSV Mainz 05. Salih Özcan, who is also leaving BVB on a free transfer, is reportedly being discussed as a possible candidate to succeed him.
This is reported by the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. According to the report, the interest in a spectacular return for Özcan is taking concrete shape.
While the usual naysayers within Köln’s circles are already grumbling that the 28-year-old defensive midfielder’s salary demands are simply too high for the Billy Goats, the reality behind the scenes apparently looks different: According to the report, there has already been direct, intensive exchange between FC’s bosses and the player’s side. No mention of specific figures has been made yet.
Özcan was recently bid farewell by Borussia Dortmund after four years. It is no secret that the Cologne-born player, who wore the FC jersey for almost 15 years before his departure in the summer of 2022 (including a loan spell at Holstein Kiel), has not completely lost his heart in the cathedral city. Under certain circumstances, the national player is said to be open to a return to his beloved club. This is especially true since he has a frustrating season behind him from a sporting perspective: Under BVB coach Niko Kovac, Özcan had a brutally difficult time and mostly languished on the bench. In stark contrast, he is doing very well for the Turkish national team, where his qualities are appreciated and he is a firm part of the squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Özcan Reportedly Has Several Interested Parties
However, FC is not alone in the poker game. After a move to FC Genoa fell through last winter, Werder Bremen is now reportedly extending its feelers. There are also vague rumors about top Turkish clubs.
For Köln’s Sporting Director Thomas Kessler, contact with Özcan has never been broken anyway. Should all committees in the club give the green light, the deal could go through quickly.
With his experience from 177 Bundesliga games, 28 international matches, and 19 appearances in the Champions League, Özcan would bring precisely the robustness and much-needed leadership qualities that the current squad lacks. Furthermore, as a flexible defensive and central midfielder, he would fill two major gaps in Köln’s midfield at once.
Overhaul in Köln’s Midfield?
Although Köln’s purchase obligation for Tom Krauß, who is now firmly signed from Mainz 05, is triggered by securing their league status, and Isak Johannesson’s stay is also confirmed. The club has already made a decision regarding Denis Huseinbasic: Although the Bosnian still has a contract until 2027, he is expected to leave the club prematurely if a suitable offer is received.
The future of the 19-year-old talent Felipe Chavez is also hanging in the balance. The youngster only played 108 minutes in the second half of the season, making it highly questionable whether FC will even exercise the purchase option agreed upon with FC Bayern in the mid-single-digit million range (including Munich’s buy-back right).
Köln Wants Two New Players for the Center
Kessler has therefore long since identified alternatives, as two new players are intended for the center. The Danish U21 national team player Silas Andersen (BK Häcken) was already a hot candidate in the winter but then extended his contract in Sweden.
Romantic dreams of Ellyes Skhiri’s return are also making the rounds. However, the 31-year-old Tunisian is now bound to Eintracht Frankfurt until 2027, and at FC, there are too many doubts about whether such a total package makes economic sense anymore.