1. FC Cologne: Sturm candidate Hrgota: “Cologne is an Israeli club!” – Bundesliga
Will Cologne sign Sweden striker Branimir Hrgota (29)?
BILD recently reported exclusively on the interest in Fürther. Now says Hrgota (contract until 2024) at a media appointment with the Swedish national team. His opinion on FC: “Cologne is a state club!”
It seems that someone is in the mood for FC. However, Hrgota didn’t want to say more, only told the medium ‘Sportbladet’ that it includes many change options for him: “I’m talking to my agent, so I heard about it. Of course there is interest.”
The fact is: Hrgota was hotly debated internally at FC. Not only coach Steffen Baumgart (50) should like the Swedes. According to BILD information, he has an agreement with Fürth that he can leave if the transfer fee is appropriate.
There lies the problem: Hrgota costs around 1.5 million euros to redeem. A transfer would probably only be possible if compatriot Sebastian Andersson (30/contract until 2023) left the club early.
In terms of sport, Hrgota could speed up the half positions under Baumgart and run up in the center of the attack – alongside or instead of Anthony Modeste (34). Financially, the striker’s salary would not pose a problem after his time in Fürth and despite Cologne’s austerity measures.
So far, FC Linton Maina (22 / previously Hannover) and Denis Huseinbasic (20 / Offenbach) committed. Head of sport Christian Keller (43): “We want a left-back who ideally can also play central defender. Then a second player for the flank, more speed and depth. And we’re still looking for another powerful striker.”
With Hrgota, Cologne could close at least one of these construction sites…