FC Köln have secured the long-term future of academy product Assad Kotya-Fofana with a professional contract. The 18-year-old centre-back, who has already featured for the U21s this season, has committed his future to the club.
The exact length of the deal was not disclosed by the club. Kotya-Fofana, who is from Frechen and grew up in Kerpen, came through the youth ranks. He started at Horremer SV, moved via SC West Köln to the club's U16 setup in summer 2023 and regularly played up in older age groups.
Championship success and pathway
He showed his ability most notably in the 2025 season, playing every minute of the U19 championship round and helping the team win the German U19 title. He remained a key player the following season, reaching the final. Technical director Lukas Berg highlighted this progress. He said it spoke for the player's quality that he had already been used early in higher age groups with them on several occasions.
The defender has already trained with the Bundesliga squad under head coach René Wagner during the international break. The plan is to continue his development initially in the Regionalliga West, where he made his debut in September. The contract is also a clear signal regarding his first-team prospects.
Kotya-Fofana explained his decision to extend was based on his feeling at his hometown club. “I decided to extend because I feel very comfortable at FC and sensed a lot of trust in the talks with those in charge,” the youth international said.
The move shows the club's strategy of tying down talents early. Kotya-Fofana arrived at the Geißbockheim campus via the partner club program with SC West Köln. FC Köln are preparing for their next match. They host Borussia Mönchengladbach at the RheinEnergieSTADION on October 11th. This season's squad list and further fixtures can be found on our squad and fixtures pages.
This story first appeared at fussballdaten.de
