The 1. FC Cologne are facing a potential exodus of five center-backs this summer, making the position a top priority for sporting director Thomas Kessler. According to Sky, the club has set its sights on Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh of Norwegian top-flight side Tromsø. The 19-year-old has reportedly given his verbal agreement to the Bundesliga club, with transfer negotiations now underway. However, competition for his signature remains fierce.
Kinteh, who has been part of Tromsø’s senior squad since early 2025, is under contract until December 2029. In the current Norwegian season, which runs over the calendar year, he has featured in seven out of ten matches, starting five in a row before missing the weekend win over Molde. Valued at €5 million, the Gambia international is among the most valuable players in the Eliteserien.
Sky reports that Kinteh has given Cologne his verbal commitment for next season. Yet, given the strong interest from clubs, including those in England, the deal is unlikely to come cheap. Transfermarkt’s rumor mill has linked him with RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and AC Milan.
Adding urgency to Cologne’s pursuit, the contracts of three current center-backs—Dominique Heintz, Timo Hübers, and Luca Kilian—are set to expire. Additionally, loan players Cenk Özkacar (from Valencia) and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (from Manchester City) are expected to leave after their spells end. That would leave only Rav van den Berg and Joël Schmied as natural center-backs in the squad, forcing right-back Sebastian Sebulonsen to fill in at the heart of defense recently.
