Cologne Football Club will temporarily transfer center-back Özkacar for the remainder of the current season.
1.FC Köln have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Turkish national player Cenk Özkacar on an initial loan deal from Spanish giants Valencia. The transfer, which was finalized last week, sees Özkacar don the number 39 jersey for the Bundesliga side.
Cenk Özkacar began his senior career with French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon, but he only made one appearance for the club. After a successful loan spell with Belgian top-tier side Oud-Heverlee Leuven in 2023, he joined Valencia in 2022 and became a regular defender in La Liga, making 51 appearances.
Despite a challenging season at La Liga rivals Real Valladolid, where he spent the previous season on loan, Thomas Kessler, sporting director of 1.FC Köln, expressed confidence in Özkacar's potential. Kessler stated that Özkacar will raise the level at the central defense position and intensify competition.
Özkacar views the move to the Bundesliga and 1.FC Köln as a positive step in his career, attracted by the club’s passionate fanbase and history. The left-footed center-back brings footballing quality, strong one-on-one skills, and athleticism to the team.
More information about the transfer of Cenk Özkacar to 1.FC Köln can be found here.
[1] Transfermarkt. (2025). Cenk Özkacar. [online] Available at: https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/cenk-ozkacar/profil/spieler/436618
[2] BBC Sport. (2025). Cenk Özkacar joins 1.FC Köln on loan from Valencia. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59151794
[3] Sky Sports. (2025). 1.FC Köln sign Cenk Özkacar on loan from Valencia. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11091/12332137/1-fc-k%C3%B6ln-sign-cenk-%C3%B6zkacar-on-loan-from-valencia
[4] Goal.com. (2025). Cenk Özkacar completes 1.FC Köln loan move. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/cenk-ozkacar-completes-1-fc-k%C3%B6ln-loan-move/blt2808835a4197c62c
Cenk Özkacar's career in European leagues has been diverse, as he began with Olympique Lyon in the French Ligue 1, then joined Valencia in La Liga, and now, he is loaned to 1.FC Köln in the Bundesliga.
With Özkacar's arrival, 1.FC Köln's central defense position and overall football quality are expected to improve, as he brings strong one-on-one skills and athleticism to the team.
