Kristoffer Lund is heading to the German Bundesliga for the first time in his career.
Lund has joined FC Koln on a season-long loan from Palermo, both clubs announced Wednesday. The Danish-born American left back becomes the latest signing in the Koln squad ahead of the new season.
“Kristoffer brings exactly the profile we want for the left outside lane,” Koln sporting director Thomas Kessler said. “He combines defensive stability with offensive forward pull and convinces with a mentality that ideally complements our requirements for this position. Despite his young age, he already has valuable international experience.
“Through its dynamics, it expands our possibilities on the left,” Kessler added. “With his commitment, we are specifically increasing the quality and competition in the left-back position, this is an important building block in our squad structure.”
Lund, 23, spent the last two seasons with Palermo in Italy’s Serie B division. He totaled three goals and three assists in 72 appearances for the club.
Prior to this move to Italy, Lund spent three seasons with Swedish club Hacken after originally coming up through the ranks at Midtjylland.
“When I heard about the offer, I took a closer look at the FC, it’s a big traditional club with a history and a great fan base,” Lund said in a club interview. “In addition, there were very good discussions with those responsible. And Cologne plays in the Bundesliga, which is one of the best leagues in Europe. I feel ready for this and want to prove myself here, that’s why I decided to go for the FC.”
A former Danish youth national team player, Lund switched his allegiance to the United States in 2023. He has since earned seven caps for the USMNT, all of which have come in friendly matches.
FC Koln earned promotion back to the Bundesliga after winning the second division title last season. They will open their competitive schedule on August 17 against Jahn Regensburg in German Cup action.
I was left thinking that Lund was a good technician, solid defender, solid going forward, and was never going to be a superstar but had a Top-5-league ceiling and would be the sort of guy that in his mid-to-late ’20’s could be a solid national team roster guy. I definitely saw why Berhalter liked him even though I didn’t think he was quite ready for the USMNT at the time.
I think he can make it in the B1, and I do think he will be able to help the USMNT if he can dial his level up to get consistent PT in that league.
Good for him! Hope he gets minutes and consistency. Any left back depth is a good thing for the national team.