Our Get German Football News series on Bundesliga tactical previews for the 2026/27 season continues with another installment. Recently, we examined the Bundesliga newcomers SC Paderborn 07 and SV Elversberg. Now, we focus on two clubs facing the challenging second season in the Bundesliga: 1. FC Köln and Hamburger SV. We’ll first look at Köln. How is the club faring in Germany‘s cathedral city? It’s certainly a valid question, especially considering recent losses to Paderborn in their last two pre-season friendlies. One club that I was optimistic about is now appearing quite vulnerable.
Let’s address the transfer speculation surrounding Said El Mala first. The future of this 19-year-old talent is critical for the team. I must take a stance on this matter: RB Leipzig’s interest in El Mala seems to have come too late. The Red Bulls have their own issues to sort out and won’t pull off this late transfer. Now, about the coach—René Wagner’s permanent appointment makes sense, despite his record (one win in seven games) suggesting otherwise. Wagner’s character brings valuable intangibles, and his tactics appear to be effectively simple.
With those key points established, let’s delve deeper into Köln’s situation. Several players who have historically underperformed during pre-season have shown impressive form. It seems Wagner has reinvigorated these athletes right on time. His firm reliance on data and analytics is a welcome change from Lukas Kwasniok’s erratic management. The coaching staff under Wagner also appears to be quite capable. This publication enthusiastically endorsed Thomas Kessler’s promotion to sporting director last spring, and the inclusion of former West Ham and Leverkusen administrator Tim Steidten as squad planner seems like an excellent addition.
Overall, it seems the Domstädter are in a promising position.
1. FC Köln
What if Wagner has a slow start to the season? Given his strict parameters, similar to those faced by Gladbach’s Eugen Polanski, it’s a real possibility. Both coaches in these rival Rhine clubs are under pressure; they need strong starts to avoid early season controversy. Their derby match comes quickly as the Bundesliga resumes in early October.
Yikes. Buckle up!
Major personnel changes for Köln
Köln’s transfer activity is intriguing, particularly regarding Jakub Kamiński, who appears on both sides of the ledger. The club exercised the €5.5m purchase option after his loan from Wolfsburg but then sold him to Benfica for €17m. That’s great business financially, but it leaves a gap in their attacking options. Central midfielders like Eric Martel and Denis Huseinbasic departed, while Florian Kainz retired, and the loans of Cenk Özkacar, Kristoffer Lund, and Felipe Chávez came to an end. Kessler and Steidten entered the summer with funds to spend but quite a few gaps in the squad.
The most significant investment was bringing back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City for €6m, a logical choice considering his impressive development last season. They also added €4.9m on Luka Lochoshvili, who enhances the defense with his left foot, physical presence, and threat on set pieces. With Gideon Mensah arriving on a free from Auxerre, they are effectively rebuilding the left side of their defense.
In midfield, Köln paid €3.5m to keep Tom Krauß and around €1m to bring in Paul Okon-Engstler from Sydney FC. Up front, Reigan Heskey arrived from Manchester City for €2m, adding another powerful attacking option, while Gil Neves joined from Benfica’s U23s for an undisclosed amount. While neither is expected to have an immediate impact in the Bundesliga, they fit the ongoing strategy of acquiring athletic, technically gifted players with potential resale value.
The immediate attacking reinforcement is Thijs Dallinga. Köln will pay Bologna a €1m loan fee for the 26-year-old, filling a gap in the roster. Although Ragnar Ache is still the go-to center-forward, Dallinga provides a reliable backup instead of another makeshift solution. This allows Wagner to manage Ache’s workload without majorly changing the attacking setup when needed.
Outgoings mainly consist of clearing the squad. Rasmus Carstensen returned from Aarhus but was sold back for €1m. Jusuf Gazibegović returned from Sturm Graz only to go out on loan to Widzew Łódź. Dominique Heintz moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf, Luca Kilian left without a club, and other returning loan players face uncertain paths back to the senior team.
The general strategy is clear: Köln have invested in strengthening their core, retained key loanees, added younger international talent, and secured a genuine backup for Ache. The preseason has also addressed some questions the transfer market left unanswered.
Preseason observations for Köln
Although there wasn’t much to glean from Köln’s initial summer matches, Wagner at least provided a couple of tactical formations to note. They beat FC Rheinsüd Köln 5-0 at the Südstadion in a match where they started in an aggressive 4-1-3-2 formation, heavily dominating the opposition.
Luca Waldschmidt scored one and assisted another for Youssoupha Niang, Said El Mala hit the woodwork, and Marius Bülter netted twice after coming on at halftime. Younger brother Malek El Mala also got on the scoresheet after joining in the second half. Sibling competition proved a great motivational tool.
The more insightful performance came days later in an 8-0 victory over SV Bergisch Gladbach 09. Wagner shifted to the 4-2-3-1, which is likely to be the primary shape for the season, and the game became increasingly one-sided after halftime. While the first half saw a minor challenge for Köln, they led just 2-0 before completely taking control in the second half.
In this match, Waldschmidt and Said El Mala again displayed great chemistry. Waldschmidt scored early from an assist by El Mala and later netted himself. Despite Ragnar Ache’s return from injury and Luka Lochoshvili’s Köln debut, the team’s performance remained impressive.
When they faced Hertha BSC, set to start their 2. Bundesliga campaign, Köln kept their favored 4-2-3-1 setup. Krauß partnered Okon-Engstler, with Ache leading the line and finding the net quickly.
Eventually, Hertha found their footing, leading to some actual goalkeeping action for Marvin Schwäbe. Despite that, Köln ended the first half solidly. Multiple attempts from the squad showcased their consistent offensive threat.
The second half brought even more excitement as their substitutions continued to push forward. Reigan Heskey made an impact, while Bülter struck the crossbar, and Niang showed promise with attacking efforts. Both teams secured a 2-2 draw, but it highlighted Köln’s significant attacking prowess against a competitive outfit.
Köln later faced Real Sociedad, whom they met twice in quick succession. In their first encounter, a largely B-team defeated Sociedad 2-0, affirming Köln’s progress in preseason.
The first game was a controlled affair, with Waldschmidt assisting Mike Afri Akumu for the opening goal. Bülter added the second, showcasing their individual talents.
The subsequent rematch, held in front of 37,000 fans, quickly saw Köln find their rhythm with centered movements, leading to quick scoring opportunities. Their new defensive partnerships starting to gel became apparent as they pushed hard for winning performances.
In their final double-header against new league entrants Paderborn, we got a clearer view of the likely competitive lineup. Waldschmidt transitioned to a more central role behind Ache, resulting in promising synergy during the first half.
Despite taking the lead through Ache, Köln stumbled post-halftime, allowing Paderborn to capitalize on disarray in their structure. Eventually, both Köln teams lost steam subsequent to strong first halves and suffered a couple of disappointing defeats.
Standout performers during camp, Köln
Linton Maina, RW
Maina’s journey has been fascinating. During Köln’s relegation season, many questioned his ability to make a significant impact at the Bundesliga level. Ultimately, he proved instrumental in the promotion effort before struggling in the following season. However, the exciting summer has revitalized him in his new role. Under Wagner, he has the freedom to move inside, creating synergy with Ache and using his pace effectively.
Luca Waldschmidt, SS
Waldschmidt has returned to form. He has significantly improved, registering impressive goal involvements during preseason, indicating a fresh start under Wagner.
Jan Thielmann, RW
Thielmann’s transformation from a confusing lack of role to genuine importance has been notable. By adopting a central role, he has been able to exploit spaces effectively, giving Wagner more tactical flexibility.
Marius Bülter, LW
After a successful last season, Bülter has continued to shine during preseason, further solidifying his position as a key player despite the pressures of his age.
Paul Okon-Engstler, CM
Surprisingly, Okon-Engstler has established himself as a key figure in midfield, demonstrating responsibility and composure, positioning him for a starting job.
Alessio Castro-Montes, RB
Castro-Montes has impressed, often taking advantage of the attacking system introduced by Wagner, leaving a strong imprint as a starter this season.
Luka Lochoshvili, CB
Lochoshvili has also made a great first impression, demonstrating effective defensive skills and quickly becoming a preferred choice in central defense.
Camp disappointments, Köln
Ísak Johannesson, CM
After initially exciting promise, Johannesson has struggled for consistent form, finding himself on the outskirts as competition increases for midfield roles.
Rav van den Berg, CB
Van den Berg has been outperformed by teammates, failing to establish himself as a reliable starter thus far.
Sebastian Sebulonsen, RB
Pushed aside by Castro-Montes, Sebulonsen will have to fight for playing time this season as he works his way back from injury.
Imad Rondic, CF
Often forgotten, Rondic has become a shadow in the squad with limited chances, with the club actively searching for his replacement.
Tactical overview, Köln
The recent matches signal a clearer tactical picture for the season. The 4-2-3-1 will likely remain the base formation, but strategic flexibility will be crucial. Köln’s recent challenges against Paderborn highlighted gaps that need addressing to ensure they don’t become an easy target. Ultimately, their ability to maintain structure during chaos will be a determining factor in their season’s success.
The approach under Wagner does seem promising. We’ll continue to monitor how the players adapt and deliver throughout the season.