Cologne is facing a defensive crisis this summer, with the potential departure of up to five center-backs, prompting sporting director Thomas Kessler to prioritize reinforcements in that area. According to Sky, 19-year-old Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh from Norwegian side Tromsø has emerged as a top target and is said to have already given the club a verbal commitment. Negotiations over a transfer fee are underway, but competition for the Gambia international is fierce.
Kinteh, who joined Tromsø’s senior squad in spring 2025, is contracted until December 2029. In the ongoing Norwegian season—played over the calendar year—he has featured in seven of ten matches, starting five consecutively before being absent from the squad for the weekend’s 2-0 win over Molde. Valued at €5 million, he ranks among the most valuable players in the Eliteserien.
Sky reports that Kinteh has orally agreed to join Cologne for next season. However, with strong interest from clubs in England and across Europe, the deal is unlikely to be cheap. Transfermarkt’s rumor mill links him with RB Leipzig, Manchester United, and AC Milan.
Meanwhile, contracts for Cologne’s current center-backs Dominique Heintz, Timo Hübers, and Luca Kilian are all set to expire. Additionally, on-loan defenders Cenk Özkacar (from Valencia) and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (Manchester City) could depart after their loan spells end. That would leave only Rav van den Berg and Joël Schmied as recognized center-backs in the squad, forcing right-back Sebastian Sebulonsen to fill in centrally recently.
