Cologne on the Hunt for a Deadly Finisher 🎯
Looking for a Finisher!
With Cologne's offense struggling in the Bundesliga, their coach, Steffen Baumgart, is on a mission to find a proven striker. He's not interested in developing another raw gem - he wants someone who has already made their mark in the league. The Essen Sports Lighthouse reports that Baumgart has a clear vision: he wants a player who has either played in the Bundesliga or leaves him with the impression, "I've seen him in the Bundesliga before."
The Fight to Stay Afloat 🚣🏼♂️
Cologne's attack has been lackluster, scoring only nine goals in 13 games, placing them at the bottom of the goal tally chart. Their top scorer, Davie Selke, has only managed three goals, with his equalizer against Bochum being their most notable contribution. Although Baumgart has faith in Selke's ability, the team needs more firepower to avoid relegation.
Finding the Perfect Match 💰🔎
The search for a new striker won't be an easy one. Cologne's budget is limited, and they're up against tough competition in the transfer market. The recently reactivated FIFA transfer ban, which could be strengthened by the upcoming Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling, adds to their struggles. Potential candidates might be hesitant to join a team amidst possible transfer restrictions. If Cologne is hit with this penalty, their transfer plans would ultimately be unfruitful, making their situation even more precarious.
Baumgart's Wishlist and Potential Options
Marvin Schwäbe's Potential Departure
Though Marvin Schwäbe is their goalkeeper, if he were to depart, it could potentially free up some funds. However, his value is relatively high, so this might not directly help with securing a new striker.
Loan Market
Limited funds mean Cologne might need to explore loan options for a striker. Here are some potential Bundesliga strikers who could be available on loan:
- Mansour Ouro-Tagba: A 19-year-old striker from Cologne's own youth academy who could gain valuable experience through a loan.
- Malek El Mala: Another young striker from Cologne who could benefit from a change of scenery, helping the team and gaining valuable exposure.
Young Strikers from Other Clubs
There are several young and promising strikers in the Bundesliga who might be available on loan or at a relatively affordable price:
- Benjamin Sesko: Though Chelsea is interested in him, there's a possibility that Sesko could be loaned out or sold at a lower price due to the ongoing transfer talks.
- Mathys Tel: Similar to Sesko, Tel is a young and talented striker who might be available on loan or at a lower price if Bayern Munich decides to offload him.
Free Agents
If the transfer ban is reactivated, Cologne might need to consider free agents or players not subject to transfer restrictions. However, this option is less likely given the current market dynamics.
Internal Promotions
Cologne could also look within, promoting young strikers from their youth academy, such as Jaka Čuber-Potočnik or João Pinto, to fill the gap in the short term.
With Cologne's tight budget and potential transfer restrictions, a combination of these strategies might be necessary to secure a proven Bundesliga striker. However, the uncertainty surrounding the CAS ruling and potential transfer bans adds a layer of complexity to these plans.
