1. FC Köln have extended Jaka Cuber Potocnik’s contract. The 21-year-old forward will be loaned back out to 3. Liga side, Rot-Weiss Essen for a further season. The Slovenian spent last season at the Hafenstraße, almost helping the side to promotion but falling just short in the play-offs against SpVgg Greuther Fürth.
“We are pleased with Jaka’s long-term extension. This shows the trust both sides have in one another and how convinced all are in Jaka’s ability. The coming year will be an important one for the next step in his development,” said Lukas Berg, FC’s Technical Director. “Together, we decided that Rot-Weiss Essen is the right place to be. Especially towards the end of last season, Jaka took on a stable level of development and was in the starting line-up as a loanee for the play-offs. That shows the level of respect which Jaka has earned in Essen and that he can take on an important role in a very ambitious setting next season. We’ll follow him closely on his path.”
Jaka Cuber Potocnik said: “Since my transfer, 1. FC Köln has always supported me to the fullest, even in the toughest times. I want to pay that back and I am very happy to be staying at FC. For now and for me, the new season is about getting as much game time as possible at a high level. I know the surroundings in Essen very well and I’m really motivated to build on our strong season.”
Potocnik joined the 1. FC Köln under-19s in January 2022 from Slovenia. Due to a CAS ban, he was unable to play for four months. For the under-19s, he made 35 appearances and scored 23 goals. He found the net on 15 occassions in the same number of games for the under-21s. He made his first-team debut for FC in September 2024 at home against Karlsruher SC. In the past season, the six-time Slovenian under-21 international spent the season on loan at Rot-Weiss Essen. In 19 3. Liga games, he scored four times and set up a further two goals.
