1. FC Cologne has signed Thijs Dallinga from FC Bologna on a loan deal with an option to buy. The 25-year-old striker aims to strengthen the attack, ending a long search for a new forward. Sport director Thomas Kessler emphasized that Dallinga was signed not just as a fill-in, but as a player with a claim to regular playing time.
📌 Thijs Dallinga: Data and Career
Thijs Dallinga is 1.90 meters tall and was born in Groningen. The Dutchman moved free of charge to Excelsior Rotterdam in 2021 and returned to Bologna in 2024, where he was transferred for 16 million euros. In Italy, he scored five goals and made six assists in 54 Serie-A games, which was deemed insufficient for his career development.
Dallinga Challenges Ragnar Ache
The new Cologne striker will immediately face competition from Ragnar Ache. The club secured an option to buy, aiming to keep Dallinga long-term. Kessler praised Dallinga's profile: "He has a strong presence in the penalty area, good movements in front of goal, and works team-oriented against the ball." The club sought a player who creates pressure, not just secures goals.
New Start After Bologna Phase
Dallinga himself sees Cologne as a new chance. His career stagnated in Italy after he was supposed to replace Joshua Zirkzee. In France with Toulouse, he scored 37 goals in 86 matches and assisted eight others. Even against Liverpool, he scored in Europa League games. For Cologne, this is a statement: The Dutchman wants to score goals and support the club.
Cologne Finds the Solution
The transfer ends a long search. Kessler emphasizes: "With his experience in European top leagues, Dallinga expands our attacking possibilities." 1. FC Cologne now has a new striker alongside Ache, creating competition and strengthening the attack. For Dallinga, the Bundesliga restart begins.
