Köln join Monaco and Burnley in race for Stoke defender

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·24 August 2026

With just over a week to go before the transfer window closes, 1. FC Köln are still looking to strengthen in several positions.

One area they are keen to reinforce is left-back, with new signing Gideon Mensah currently the only natural left-back in the squad.

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According to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Stoke City’s Eric-Junior Bocat has emerged as a target for the Billy Goats.

AS Monaco and Burnley are also reportedly interested in the 27-year-old Frenchman, who joined Stoke from Saint-Truiden in 2024.

Since then, Bocat has made 69 appearances for the Championship side, scoring once and providing four assists.