1. FC Köln are reportedly planning to sign at least two players in the January transfer window, with Leeds United striker Lukas Nmecha among their potential targets as they look to address several injury-related problems.
According to “Bild”, the Bundesliga side are prioritising reinforcements in attack and defence ahead of the second half of the season. The club have already ruled out signing a free agent as a short-term solution after assessing the available options. "We are scouting the market. That's our job," Cologne's managing director for sport, Thomas Kessler, said to “Sky” on Friday.
Cologne are particularly short of options up front following the long-term absences of Ragnar Ache, who is struggling with a muscle injury, and Thijs Dallinga, who has suffered an ACL tear.
Ianis Stoica, who plays for Portuguese side Estrela Amadora, has also been linked with a move to the Billy Goats. However, Bild reportedly considers the Romanian winger a less suitable option because he is not a natural centre-forward.
Instead, Lukas Nmecha is said to be a more interesting candidate. The 27-year-old currently plays for Leeds United and has previous Bundesliga experience from his time at Wolfsburg.
Cologne's problems extend beyond their attack, with the club also reportedly looking to strengthen their defence in January.
The Billy Goats have conceded 11 goals in their first six league matches. Centre-back Rav van den Berg remains sidelined with a muscle injury, while Timo Hübers is recovering from a serious knee injury. Summer signing Luka Lochoshvili, who arrived from 1. FC Nürnberg, has also reportedly struggled to adapt to the increased pace and quality of the Bundesliga.
Cologne spent €25.65 million on new signings during the summer transfer window, while generating around €18 million in player sales.
Although the club have demonstrated a willingness to invest in the squad, securing multiple reinforcements in January could prove challenging, particularly if they pursue Nmecha.