1. FC Köln have extended with Elias Bakatukanda until summer 2028. Along with those responsible at FC, the 20-year-old has decided to leave the club on loan. The centre-back, who has come through the FC Academy, will join Austrian Bundesliga side, FC Blau-Weiß Linz on loan until the end of the season.
“We are really pleased to have agreed an extension to Elias’ contract. With the loan to Linz, we have found an optimal move for him to give him the steppingstone to continue his development. We are convinced that Elias will give us plenty to shout about when he returns, with the experience he will gain and his potential,” saidThomas Kessler, Director of Football.
“I am happy and thankful that FC are giving me their trust over such a long period and extended my contract. The move to Linz is something new for me. Since I’m seven, I’ve played for FC and this is the first time I will play for another club and leave my home town. My goal is clear: I want to stay fit, play as often as possible to return to FC more experienced and stable,” said Elias Bakatukanda.
The Köln-born defender made his first-team debut this season. On Matchday 4, Bakatukanda was subbed on in the 78th minute during the 3:1 win against FC Schalke 04. Since then, he made two further first-team appearances and featured 11 times in the Regionalliga West. The centre-back joined FC in 2011 and made his way from the under-8s up to the senior squad. In the 2022-23 campaign, he was part of the under-19 team that reached the semi-finals of the German Championship before winning the DFB-Pokal shortly after.
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