1. FC Köln - injuries & suspensions October 2026

1. FC Köln: 2026/27 season preview

1. FC Köln begin the 2026/2027 season after a successful return to the Bundesliga. In the previous campaign, the newly promoted side managed to stay in the top flight, finishing the season in 14th place. However, the closing stages were anything but comfortable. After a change of coach and René Wagner taking charge, Köln improved their results enough to avoid another relegation. The club’s main aim now is to establish themselves in the Bundesliga.

Wagner’s first full season

René Wagner took over Köln in the second half of last season, replacing the sacked Lukas Kwasniok. He brought greater organisation to the team in the closing stages of the campaign and was given the chance to oversee a full pre-season in the summer. His task now is to build a side capable of picking up points consistently.

The squad underwent significant changes over the summer. The club lost, among others, Jakub Kamiński, who joined Benfica, and Eric Martel, who moved to Mainz. Rasmus Carstensen, Denis Huseinbašić, Dominique Heintz and Florian Kainz also left the club. Several new players arrived in their place, giving Wagner a bigger squad to work with.

El Mala the leading hope

Saïd El Mala is attracting the most attention ahead of the start of the season. The 20-year-old winger was one of the biggest revelations of the previous campaign. In his first Bundesliga season, he scored 13 goals in 34 appearances. His pace and direct style of play made him one of Köln’s most important players.

There was interest from bigger clubs over the summer, but El Mala stayed at Köln and signed a new five-year contract. He was also given the number 10 shirt, which at the club has been associated above all with Lukas Podolski. Expectations of the young winger are therefore higher than they were a year ago.

Köln have plenty of other options in attack, however. Linton Maina, Luca Waldschmidt, Ragnar Ache and Jan Thielmann remain at the club, while Thijs Dallinga has joined on loan from Bologna. Marius Bülter has also added to the competition in attack.

Skhiri returns to Köln

One of the most intriguing transfer moves is the return of Ellyes Skhiri. The Tunisian represented Köln from 2019 to 2023 and has rejoined the club after spending several seasons elsewhere, including at Eintracht Frankfurt. His experience could prove particularly valuable following Martel’s departure.

Skhiri is expected to organise play in midfield and could form a partnership with Tom Krauß. Köln have also made Krauß’s move from Mainz permanent after his previous loan spell. Ísak Jóhannesson and youngsters Paul Okon-Engstler and Gil Neves are also options in midfield.

Plenty of youth in the squad

Köln’s squad is currently a blend of experience and youth. Marvin Schwäbe and Ron-Robert Zieler are competing for the goalkeeper’s spot, while Timo Hübers and Joël Schmied remain key figures in defence. In attack, the team will look to the likes of El Mala, Dallinga, Ache and Bülter.

Köln continue to focus on developing talented players. One of the more intriguing examples is Reigan Heskey, the 18-year-old son of former England international Emile Heskey. The striker moved to Germany from Manchester City’s academy, where he had previously impressed with his goalscoring in the UEFA Youth League.

Gil Neves from Benfica and Mikey Moore from Tottenham have also joined the team. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has also been signed permanently from Manchester City after his previous loan spell. In defence, meanwhile, Borna Sosa has arrived on loan from Crystal Palace to strengthen the left flank, alongside Gideon Mensah and Luka Lochoshvili.

Köln want a calmer season

For Köln, the 2026/2027 season is primarily about taking a step towards greater stability after returning to the Bundesliga. The club have lost Kamiński and Martel, but have strengthened several other positions. Skhiri’s return, El Mala staying and Dallinga’s arrival give Wagner more options than he had last season. The next step is to turn those options into consistent results and avoid a repeat of last season’s tense finale.