1. FC Köln have bolstered their backline and signed Cenk Özkacar on loan from Valencia CF until the end of the season. The centre-back successfully completed his medical on Thursday afternoon and signed his contract on Friday.
“With Cenk, we are signing the left-footed centre-back that we had planned to bring in, who will increase the competition for places as well as the level in that position. He brings footballing quality, is strong in the tackle and is athletic. He is also tactically clever. Even though the past season didn’t go as planned, we are convinced of his potential and his ability to develop. The talks with him brought us to the conclusion that he has the necessary ambition and mentality that we need for the challenges ahead. He will do our team good. We’re very pleased that Cenk decided to join FC,” said Sporting Director, Thomas Kessler.
Özkacar will wear the number 39 at FC with Cenk on the back.
“In the discussions with Thomas, I got a really good feeling for FC – for the history of the club and the meaning it has for the people here. I knew immediately that it is the right step for me and to move to Germany and the Bundesliga. I am looking forward to the stadium and the fans, who are known for their passion and support well outside of city boundaries,” said Cenk Özkacar.
Cenk Özkacar was born on 6th February 2000 in Konak, Turkey. In his academy days, he played for Bucaspor,Altınordu Izmir and Altay Izmir. At the latter, the centre-back signed his first professional deal and was loaned out to Karacabey Belediyespor. He made 24 appearances in his debut season before returning to Altay. In the 2019-20 season, he made his debut in the Turkish second division and featured 16 times. In summer 2020, he moved to Olympique Lyon. He made just one appearance fort he French side before being loaned out to OH Leuven (34 games, two goals) and Valencia CF (21 games). After the loan spell, he joined Valencia on a permanent deal. In the 2023-24 campaign, he played 25 games in all competitions. In the previous season, Özkacar was loaned out to Real Valladolid (12 games).