At the beginning of April, transfer negotiations are in full swing. Many transfers are prepared and just waiting to be completed. In the middle of this phase, 1. FC Köln received a FIFA transfer ban.
Steffen Baumgart continues to spread optimism. “We assume that the verdict will be revised,” said the 1. FC Köln coach after the 0-0 draw in the derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
However, experts disagree as to whether FC’s appeal to the International Sports Court of Cass against the one-year transfer ban by the world football association FIFA is promising. The fact is therefore: As of now, the ban applies to allegations of incitement to breach the contract with 17-year-old Jaka Cuber Potocnik. And the FC has to plan in two ways. Even if he were no longer in acute relegation problems given his six-point lead in 16th place and six games without a win.
Poor record on offense
That’s why the lock changes a lot in planning. And although the team against Gladbach showed a lot of heart and morale four days after the verdict, which surprised everyone in Cologne, it also became obvious in the derby that a summer without transfers would be difficult from a sporting point of view. After all, you know that you have “deficits compared to other teams,” as Baumgart explained. Currently primarily on the offensive, where FC has by far the weakest record with four goals in nine games in the second half of the season. But one or the other individual case now appears in a new light.
Kingsley Schindler: The contract of the versatile winger expires in the summer. And so far it seemed clear that it will not be extended. But should FC not be able to sign any new players, an extension with Schindler would be obvious. He was suddenly in the starting XI against Gladbach, only for the second time in 2023. And he did a good job. “Hopefully I did some good publicity for myself,” he said. Baumgart denied “that King was about to depart” and said: “Even if the sentence is reversed it doesn’t mean he’s just gone.”
Jeff Chabot: The 24-year-old centre-back had a rough start after his loan move in January 2022. He has been a regular since the beginning of the year, and he was the best Cologne player against Gladbach. It seemed clear that the Cologne-based company would take the purchase option of around 2.5 million euros from Sampdoria Genoa. But the legal question now is: Would that be a transfer that is prohibited?
Leart Morning: The FC had already announced the commitment of the co-captain of the current second division high-flyer FC St. Pauli in January. If the judgment were to stand, it would probably be void. “We are in exchange, I’m fine, you don’t have to worry about me, I’m in good spirits,” Paqarada told NDR radio.
Jonas Hector: For months it has been rumored that the captain and ex-national player could end his career at the end of the season. The 32-year-old has never commented on this. If the trend was to stop – as there were some indications – the FC will certainly get into more talks if the Cas lawsuit is dismissed. And maybe Hector, who has been playing for FC since 2010 and went into the second division as a current national team player in 2018, can be persuaded again. (dpa)