Poaching attempts averted: 1. FC Köln holds defensive jewel Rijad Smajic
Rijad Smajic
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1. FC Köln have given defensive jewel Rijad Smajic a professional contract, fending off the interest of well-known clubs. U19 captain Meiko Wäschenbach will also stay with Effzeh despite VfB interest.
Statement from 1. FC Cologne. Defender jewel Rijad Smajic is equipped with his first professional contract. The Effzeh fended off poaching attempts by well-known clubs.
This is reported, among other things, by express. The 18-year-old central defender will sign his first professional contract until 2025 on Friday. Benfica and FC Porto are said to have shown interest in the Cologne-born Bosnian youth international. A trio from the Bundesliga also courted Smajic.
In the end, the perspective in Cologne spoke for staying. Coach Steffen Baumgart is known for relying on talent and being able to develop it further. However, Smajic should be built up carefully and initially collect match practice in the second team in the regional league. In addition, he should regularly take part in professional training.
The two squad nominations of the 1.90 meter tall defender in the Conference League and the Bundesliga show that the breakthrough could not be long in coming. Smajic has not yet made his professional debut.
VfB lured: FC also holds U19 captain Wäschenbach
In addition to the whereabouts of Smajic, there is other good news from the FC youth. According to Express, U19 captain Meiko Wäschenbach will also sign a professional contract. The 18-year-old junior national player wants to assert himself in Cologne in the long term. In the summer, VfB Stuttgart in particular courted the playmaker and enticed him to be integrated into the professional squad immediately.
Everything about 1. FC Köln in 90 minutes
This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Poaching attempts averted: 1. FC Köln holds defensive jewel Rijad Smajic released.