1. FC Köln are facing a summer exodus of five centre-backs, making defensive reinforcement a top priority for sporting director Thomas Kessler. According to reports, 19-year-old Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh from Norwegian side Tromsø has emerged as a prime target and has already given his verbal agreement to join the club. Negotiations over a transfer fee are ongoing, but competition remains fierce.
Kinteh, who joined Tromsø’s first team in spring 2025, is under contract until December 2029. In the current Norwegian season, which runs across the calendar year, he has featured in seven out of ten matches, starting five consecutive games before being omitted from the squad for the weekend win over Molde. The Gambia international is valued at €5 million, making him one of the most valuable players in the Eliteserien.
Sky reports that Kinteh has given Köln a verbal commitment for the upcoming season, but with strong interest from clubs in England, the defender is unlikely to come cheap. Transfermarkt’s rumour mill links him with RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and AC Milan.
In Köln’s squad, contracts for defenders Dominique Heintz, Timo Hübers, and Luca Kilian are all expiring. Additionally, Cenk Özkacar (on loan from FC Valencia) and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (from Manchester City) could depart after their loan spells. This would leave only Rav van den Berg and Joël Schmied as recognised centre-backs, with right-back Sebastian Sebulonsen recently filling in centrally.
