Cologne’s transfer ban lifted: will Bundesliga quality return?

According to Kicker, Cologne’s two-period transfer ban is finally coming to an end this January and the club is already planning to move up to the Bundesliga level.

Recently promoted to the 2nd Bundesliga, the Billicos struggled to adapt to life in the second division. At the moment, Cologne has 18 points and is in 8th place. The season can still be salvaged and promotion is not out of the question in an incredibly competitive division.

January will be a crucial transfer window for Gerhard Struber’s side and there are already rumors of Bundesliga quality arriving at the RheinEnergieSTADION.

FC Cologne are currently monitoring Union Berlin striker Ivan Prtažin ahead of a possible deal.

The 28-year-old Croatian joined Union last summer from Wehen Wiesbaden for €1 million, having scored 13 goals in the second division last season.

However, due to injuries, the forward has yet to make an impact for Union and has not featured in this Bundesliga campaign.

A tall striker who knows how to score goals in the second division, Cologne could opt for Prtagin and hope he reaches his former heights without getting injured.

However, it is possible that the Billygoats could face competition from Bundesliga clubs for Prtažin’s signature.