Ellyes Skhiri has returned to FC Koln and has now spoken about his difficult period at Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, young attacker Said El Mala has surprisingly extended his contract with the Billy Goats, as various media outlets report. The team is preparing for its next match but must cope without several injured players.
How did Skhiri's return to Cologne unfold?
The 31-year-old midfielder returned to Geißbockheim this summer for a transfer fee of nearly two million euros. Skhiri signed a contract until 2028. In an interview with Bild Sport, he spoke openly about the reasons for his decision. There was also an offer from Spain, but he and his family are happy about the return to Cologne.
His final season in Frankfurt under coach Adi Hütter was not easy for Skhiri. He was sidelined and at times trained with the U21s. "I had difficult moments," Skhiri said. "The last year was not easy. I played less and was a bit injured." At FC, he now sees a new opportunity and wants to fight for the club with full commitment.
Why is Said El Mala staying in Cologne?
Contrary to long-standing transfer rumors, 19-year-old Said El Mala has opted to extend his contract with FC Koln. Bavarian Football Works reported this news. Instead of moving to RB Leipzig or Borussia Dortmund, the talented attacker remains with the Billy Goats. For El Mala, the prospect of regular playing time plays a major role.
In Cologne, he gets the chance to further establish himself in the Bundesliga and take on responsibility. The club even trusts him with the traditional number 10 shirt, last worn by Lukas Podolski. This decision highlights the club's plans for the young player. The current injury list featuring Luca Waldschmidt, Sebastian Sebulonsen, Timo Hübers, and Linton Maina could offer him additional opportunities.
Which other transfers are pending?
According to n-tv.de, FC Koln is still waiting for a decision from Tottenham Hotspur regarding Mikey Moore. An agreement on a one-year loan for the 19-year-old attacker has reportedly been in place for weeks between the clubs and the player. The final approval, however, depends on coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Simultaneously, FC continues to search for a left-back. The club remains in a holding pattern until the end of the transfer window. The sporting leadership hopes to secure Moore as another offensive spark. The coming days will show if the deal materializes.
Where is Youssoupha Niang moving to?
The 20-year-old striker Youssoupha Niang is moving on loan to FC St. Pauli. This was confirmed by both the official website of FC Koln and that of the second-division club. Niang, a product of the club's own youth academy, made ten Bundesliga appearances last season. Due to strong competition, however, he saw little prospect of regular playing time.
"I want to keep developing and for that I need to play," Niang said according to fc.de. "That's why I'm glad FC helped me find a cool club like St. Pauli." FC managing director Thomas Kessler emphasized that they had found a very good environment for the player's further development. The club will continue to closely monitor his progress.
What's next for FC in sporting terms?
FC Koln is preparing for its next match. On September 4, 2026, the Billy Goats visit VfB Stuttgart. The current injury situation poses challenges for the team. In addition to the players already mentioned, other important figures are absent.
Despite the personnel shortages, the team aims to get points in Stuttgart. The return of Ellyes Skhiri is intended to bring stability to the midfield. The extension of Said El Mala secures a long-term offensive perspective for the club. Fans can follow the rest of the season on our Standings page and check upcoming fixtures in the Fixtures calendar.
