Striker wanted to extend
©IMAGO
Since July 1st, Davie Selke has been one of the most valuable German professionals without a club after his contract with 1. FC Köln expired. Unlike some other key players, the 29-year-old will be taking a new path as a result of the relegation. However, he says he could have imagined staying.
“Hello dear FC fans. I don’t really know what to write. I felt very comfortable in Cologne and at FC,” wrote Selke in a farewell post on Instagram, followed by a dig at the club’s management. “It’s no secret that I could imagine continuing on the path with you. This opportunity was ultimately taken away from me. Thank you for the short but intense time.”
Selke’s contract originally ran until 2026, but was not valid for the 2nd Bundesliga. The same applied to former national player Mark Uth, who signed a new contract in May. Eric Martel (22), Timo Hübers (27), Marvin Schwäbe (29), Florian Kainz (31), Jan Thielmann (22) and Denis Huseinbasic (23), most of whom could have left through exit clauses, are also staying loyal to the club.
It was different for Selke, who was unable to agree a new contract with Effzeh. For the second time in his career, the attacker will be changing clubs on a free transfer; previously, two permanent transfers from RB Leipzig and Hertha BSC each cost €8 million. The right-footer scored eleven goals in 38 games for Cologne and increased his market value from €1.8 million to €2.8 million. Only three German professionals without a current employer are more valuable.
