1. FC Köln is facing a critical shortage in central defense this summer, with as many as five defenders potentially leaving the club. Sporting director Thomas Kessler has made this position a top priority. According to Sky, 19-year-old Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh from Norwegian side Tromsø is a primary target. The Gambia international has reportedly given a verbal commitment to join Köln, but transfer fee negotiations are ongoing, and competition—particularly from English clubs—remains fierce.
Kinteh, who moved up to Tromsø’s senior team in spring 2025, is under contract until December 2029. In the current season, which runs by the calendar year in Norway, he has played in seven of ten matches, starting five in a row before missing the weekend’s 2-0 win over Molde. Valued at €5 million, he is one of the Eliteserien’s most valuable players. Besides Köln, clubs such as RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and AC Milan have also been linked.
Currently, contracts for Köln central defenders Dominique Heintz, Timo Hübers, and Luca Kilian are set to expire. Additionally, loan players Cenk Özkacar (from Valencia) and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (from Manchester City) may depart after their loan spells. That would leave only Rav van den Berg and Joël Schmied as natural center-backs, with right-back Sebastian Sebulonsen recently filling in at the position.
