Mainz's player Krauß has been loaned to Cologne for the upcoming season - Mainz is now supplying Cologne with necessary herbs due to their shortage.
Tom Krauß, a 24-year-old German midfielder, has made a move to 1. FC Cologne from 1. FSV Mainz 05 on a season-long loan deal, with an option for Cologne to buy him at the end of the loan period. This transfer marks Krauß's return to the Bundesliga after his loan spell with VfL Bochum, who were relegated last season.
The loan contract runs until June 30, 2026, and if Cologne avoids relegation, the purchase becomes obligatory, with the transfer fee estimated to be between €3.5 to €4 million[1][2][3]. Krauß's move to Cologne is his second loan spell away from Mainz, having previously spent part of the 2024-2025 season on loan at Luton Town in the English Championship, where he played 23 games, and the second half of the season at VfL Bochum, making 14 appearances.
Niko Bungert, Mainz's sporting director, stated that Krauß sought a "sporting home" and stability, while Thomas Kessler, Cologne's sporting director, praised Krauß's strong mentality, tackling, and dynamism, expressing that Cologne was interested in a player with Krauß's qualities. Krauß, originally from Leipzig, Germany, is expected to integrate quickly into Cologne's team due to his attitude.
Krauß has played in 76 Bundesliga games in his career and boasts valuable experience at a high level, according to Cologne's sporting director. This transfer was announced by both Cologne and Mainz, with Krauß set to strengthen Cologne's central position for the upcoming season.
[1] [Mainz 05 official website](https://www.mainz05.de/) [2] [1. FC Cologne official website](https://www.fckoeln.de/) [3] [SportBild](https://www.sportbild.de/)
In light of the Commission's proposal for a directive on the protection of employees during transfers of undertakings, Tom Krauß, having found a "sporting home" with 1. FC Cologne, might consider his transfer akin to a transfer of his professional football career from one European league to another. With his strong mentality, tackling, and dynamism, Krauß's presence is expected to fortify Cologne's central position in the Bundesliga, much like how he strengthened the teams he was loaned to during the 2024-2025 season.
