1. FC Köln have signed Ghana international Gideon Mensah. The 27-year-old left-back has signed a deal until 30th June 2028 with FC. Mensah has joined on a free transfer from Ligue 1 side, AJ Auxerre.
“We have been looking at Gideon for a longer period of time and are pleased that we could convince him to join FC. He brings international experience to the table, put in strong performances in France last season and showed just that at the World Cup as well. Gideon is a player that always puts the team first and has a high-level of tactical discipline, plenty of defensive strengths and brings a real dynamic onto the pitch. His profile will give our squad increased stability and quality, increasing our options at this position even further,” said FC Managing Director, Thomas Kessler.
Gideon Mensah was born on 18th July 1998 in Accra. The defensive expert went through the ranks at the renown West African Football Academy (WAFA). In 2016, he made the move to Austria. He featured for FC Liefering, the farm club for FC Red Bull Salzburg, as well as the youth teams for the Austrian side. In 2017, he won the UEFA Youth League with Salzburg.
After loans with SK Sturm Graz (Austria), SV Zulte Waregem (Belgium), Vitória Guimarães (Portugal) and Girondins Bordeaux (France), Mensah has a range of international experience in plenty of several top European leagues. In summer 2022, he joined AJ Auxerre. He made 114 appearances for the French side, including 85 in Ligue 1.
He made his debut for Ghanian national team in 2019. Since then, he has been a regular member of the Black Stars. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mensah played every minute for Ghana as they made their way through the Group Stage. The Black Stars narrowly lost their Round of 32 tie against Colombia.
“After the World Cup, I had several options. In the discussions with those responsible at FC, who showed real interest in me, I had the best feeling from the very start. The sporting perspective that the club showed me was also a big reason. I obviously looked into the city and heard a lot about the incredible support of the FC fans, and I’m really looking forward to that. As was the case with Ghana and at my previous clubs, I will give everything for FC so that the club can reach its goals and we will be successful as a team,” said Gideon Mensah.
Gideon Mensah will wear the number 14 for FC.
