FC Koln has earmarked Alessio Castro‑Montes for a new position in the 2026/27 season: he will now play as a right‑back. The 29‑year‑old Belgian moved from an inverted wing role to a more central attacking task last year, but the club’s hierarchy now wants a clear side switch.

Why is the club changing Castro‑Montes’ role?

Lukas Kwasniok praised Castro‑Montes when he arrived in summer 2023, yet the player saw little action at first. In the winter of 2023/24 he impressed as an inverted winger, cutting inside from the left to drive the attack. In 14 appearances he scored once against Frankfurt and provided three assists before a muscle fibre tear sidelined him briefly. The 2023/24 stats show his offensive output on the left was not sustainable, prompting the coaching staff to look for a defensive deployment.

Who will compete with him on the right?

The free‑transfer of Gideon Mensah (27) from Ghana, completed on 5 July 2026, bolsters the right‑back slot. Sebastian Sebulonsen from Norway will also vie for the place. Both have experience in a 3‑5‑2 system that Kwasniok prefers for the right flank. The mix of Mensah’s pace and Sebulonsen’s tactical awareness could force Castro‑Montes into a genuine choice between a pure defender role or an additional wing option.

How will the re‑assignment affect the squad?

Moving to the right, Castro‑Montes is expected to hold the line and deliver crosses – a task he already performed at his former club St. Gilloise. The coaches anticipate that his right‑wing experience in a 3‑5‑2 formation will widen the attack while adding defensive stability. On the left, Kwasniok plans a complete overhaul after the purchase option on Kristoffer Lund was not exercised and a replacement has already been found.

What does this mean for the 2026/27 campaign?

The switch should start in summer training, giving Castro‑Montes time to master the role before the season opener on 18 August 2026. If he adapts quickly to defensive duties, he could become a regular starter. Competition remains fierce, as both Mensah and Sebulonsen aim for a spot in the starting eleven. The next weeks in the pre‑season camp will reveal who secures the right‑side berth.

What are the long‑term prospects?

Kwasniok views Castro‑Montes’ versatility as a strategic asset for the coming years. Should the Belgian master the defensive role, he could also be used as a tactical joker between defence and midfield. The club aims to increase squad flexibility to react swiftly to injuries and form dips. For supporters, this promises more dynamism and a clearer picture of how the team will operate in the Bundesliga 2026/27.