1. FC Köln Faces Injury Crisis, Targets Defender in Transfer Window

1. FC Köln has encountered a significant injury crisis in their defensive lineup this season, prompting the club’s management to take action in the transfer window.

According to regional outlet Express, Köln has come to an agreement with an unnamed defender as of January 1. Shortly thereafter, The Telegraph identified the Bundesliga club as one of several teams interested in acquiring Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan for the remainder of the season. City is reportedly prepared to recall the player from his loan at Celtic, where he has played only 64 minutes.

Köln will face competition from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, as well as several unnamed Championship clubs, all vying for the young central defender’s services.

With Timo Hübers out due to a serious knee injury, Ran van den Berg serving a two-game suspension, and both Joël Schmied and Luca Kilian sidelined due to injuries, Köln currently has only two fit central defenders available: Dominique Heintz (32) and Cenk Özkacar (25).

Having positioned themselves 11th after 15 games, Lukas Kwasniok’s squad has conceded 24 goals in their first season back in Germany’s top flight.