1. FC Cologne

2. Bundesliga Promotion Candidates? Eric Martel and Jan Thielmann Stay at 1. FC Köln

By
Moritz Baer
June 6, 2024
11:32
Eric Martel. Photo: Vitalii Vitleo
Eric Martel. Photo: Vitalii Vitleo

Both Eric Martel and Jan Thielmann have proven their loyalty to 1. FC Köln and will stay to attempt to help the club to get back into the Bundesliga next season.

Jan Thielmann had previously signed a contract until 2026, and despite this he had a release clause in the case of relegation which he chose to forego for the next season so he could play for 1. FC Köln in the 2. Bundesliga.

Former RB Leipzig youngster Eric Martel will also stay next season, in a surprise move in light of his release clause this summer. His performances in midfield have been solid and he will no doubt be a key player in Germany's second division.

Lastly, these two players will start to raise the question whether Köln can make a push for promotion next season despite the transfer ban this summer. With proven 2. Liga players like Tim Lemperle and Jonas Ürbig in goal returning, they may be in within the favourites for a return to the Bundesliga.

Match Result

1. FC Cologne
:
1. FC Cologne
1. FC Cologne
Jonas Urbig.

Köln's Jonas Ürbig not interested in contract extension, reports suggest

1. FC Köln goalkeeper Jonas Ürbig has been reported to not be interested in extending his current contract with FC Köln, with his current deal running out in 2026.
Timo Hübers

Should Timo Hübers still be the 1. FC Köln captain?

At the start of the 2024-25 2. Bundesliga season, Köln coach Gerhard Struber chose Timo Hübers as the captain of the squad replacing former captain Florian Kainz.
Davie Selke. Photo: Vitalii Vitleo

Davie Selke Decides to Leave 1. FC Köln

Accompanied by a Instagram post which very much was not revered by 1. FC Köln fans, Davie Selke has made the decision to leave the club from the cathedral city.
Luca Waldschmidt. Photo: Shutterstock.

Decision Made: Luca Waldschmidt to stay at 1. FC Köln

Following agreements made between VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Köln, Luca Waldschmidt is set to join Köln once again for another season next year in the 2. Bundesliga.
Florian Kainz. Photo: Vitalii Vitleo

Florian Kainz to stay at 1. FC Köln, Sky Germany reports

1. FC Köln's captain and wide midfielder Florian Kainz is set to stay at the club for the upcoming 2. Bundesliga season, in part thanks to his links to the new coach.
Gerhard Struber. Photo: Werner100359 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Gerhard Struber to take over at 1. FC Köln

After a good amount of weeks looking for a new coach, 1. FC Köln's board have landed on the former RB Salzburg manager Gerhard Struber for the 2. Bundesliga season.