With their primary striker likely on his way to China, FC Cologne may have an American replacement in mind.
With French forward Anthony Modeste set to depart the Bundesliga club en route to Tianjin Quanjian in China, FC Cologne are reportedly targeting American and Hamburg striker Bobby Wood as their primary replacement candidate, reports Express. Wood reportedly has a €12 million release clause in his contract, which Cologne are willing to activate, leaving it up to Bobby Wood as to whether he departs Hamburg after one season.
Though his numbers went down from his 32 appearance, 17 goal campaign in the 2. Bundesliga with Union Berlin, Wood played well in his debut season with Hamburg, notching nine goals through 32 appearances. His performance has drawn interest from several Bundesliga clubs, as well as a few outside of Germany, but Cologne may be determined to lure him to their team.
A transfer would not only net Wood a new contract, one that probably pays a bit more, but would also allow him to compete in European competition as Cologne qualified for the Europa League this year. The move would represent another step forward in what has been a meteoric rise for Wood.
He’s put in the miles to deserve opportunities at a stable top flight club. I don’t get Hamburg’s problems, but Koln has a top class coach.
Time to move on.
If I’m Wood I make this move, he doesn’t owe Hamburger anything and going to Cologne would undoubtedly improve his stock and most likely his learning curve with European football in their grasp next season
100% take it. Step up in everyway.
Cologne finished in 5th place, 13 points behind Hoffenheim. They scored 51 goals this season. Hamburg was 11 points behind Cologne and scored 33 goals. Assuming the 18 extra goals scored by Cologne reflect better service, one could turn an average striker into a good one. I’m for this move.
I haven’t really been paying attention to Hamburg’s off season moves, but if they haven’t taken dramatic steps to improve that team, he should leave. Another season with that poor service will wear on his confidence.
Koln in 5th place was 33 points back? Jeepers.
…but they’re playing for a….”trophy”. So, I guess that meets your requirements, yes?
no, playing for a trophy in the MLS would meet the requirements.