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1. FC Cologne is facing a potential exodus of five center-backs this summer, prompting sporting director Thomas Kessler to prioritize reinforcements in that position. According to Sky, Norwegian Eliteserien side Tromsø’s Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh has emerged as a top target for the Bundesliga club. The 19-year-old has reportedly given a verbal commitment to join Cologne, with transfer fee negotiations now underway—but competition remains fierce.
Kinteh, who broke into Tromsø’s first team in spring 2025, is under contract until December 2029. He has appeared in seven of ten league matches this season, starting five consecutive games before being absent from the squad for the recent 2-0 win over Molde. Valued at €5 million, the Gambia international is one of the most valuable players in the Eliteserie.
Sky reports that Kinteh has already given Cologne his verbal agreement for the upcoming season. However, given strong interest from clubs in England and elsewhere, the defender is unlikely to come cheap. Transfermarkt rumors link him to RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and AC Milan.
Cologne currently has three center-backs—Dominique Heintz, Timo Hübers, and Luca Kilian—whose contracts expire at the end of the season. Additionally, loan players Cenk Özkacar (from Valencia) and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (from Manchester City) are expected to leave. That would leave only Rav van den Berg and Joël Schmied as natural center-backs in the squad, with right-back Sebastian Sebulonsen recently slotting into the middle.
