90min

1. FC Köln: Erschwerte Bedingungen bei der Innenverteidiger-Suche

Von Florian Bajus

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The squad of the  1 . FC Köln  is almost complete after the upcoming transfer of Ellyes Skhiri, only one central defender is still on the note from managing director Armin Veh. In the training camp in Kitzbühel, however, the 58-year-old dampened expectations and emphasized: " ​We will certainly not buy a player for several million."

The newcomer has already invested 5.5 million euros in the squad. 3.5 million euros went to KAA Gent for Birger Verstraete, the remaining two million euros were due to right-back Kingsley Ehizibue. While Kingsley Schindler and Julian Krahl moved to Cologne on a free transfer, Ellyes Skhiri is expected for a medical check on Monday. The defensive midfielder is said to cost another six million euros, which is why Veh raises the alarm when asked about a new central defender.

" We're moving above our budget. Instead of ten, we've now spent 13 million," the managing director is quoted as saying at  Geissblog.Koeln  . Frederik Sörensen was sorted out in the defense headquarters, which is why a new signing is being sought for the trio of Jorge Meré, Lasse Sobiech and Rafael Czichos. But the search for central defenders with Bundesliga potential is difficult due to the limited financial leeway.

Will coach Achim Beierlorzer get the desired central defender?

" I can't sign another player for six million," Veh makes clear, so FC is probably dependent on loan deals: " Of course it's an option for us to loan a player as a tide. With or without a purchase option, depends on the other club." However, Jesus Vallejo , who has been traded  in the meantime,  will not end up in the cathedral city, Real Madrid's own child is spending the season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ultimately, patience is required, as the early transfer deadline for the Premier League (August 8th) will also shift the structure in the financial dimensions. " Then the market will start to move in a different way," says Veh, whose hands are tied nonetheless because of the expenses so far.