Struggling defensive midfielder Ellyes Skhiri no longer an option at old club 1. FC Köln | OneFootball

Kicker reports that 1. FC Köln are no longer interested in re-acquiring Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri. Köln’s Geißblog fan site effectively confirms this. Skhiri – coming off a disappointing World Cup in which he actually struggled as a makeshift centre back for Tunisia – evidently isn’t what Köln are looking for in a defensive midfield reinforcement.

The 31-year-old had recently emerged as one of Köln’s leading candidates for the vacant holding-midfield role. The two Bundesliga clubs had reportedly held talks over a possible transfer after Frankfurt granted Skhiri permission to negotiate a departure.

A return to the RheinEnergieSTADION is now considered off the table, however, with Köln turning their attention toward alternative options. Skhiri previously spent four seasons with the cathedral city club, registering 20 goals and eight assists in 133 competitive appearances before joining Frankfurt on a free transfer in 2023.

Köln seek alternative defensive midfielder

Köln managing director for sport Thomas Kessler declined to address Skhiri directly during a media round at the club’s training camp. The administrator nevertheless confirmed that Köln remain active in their search for a new No. 6.

Kessler stated that the promoted Bundesliga side want a player “who gives the team stability” and emphasized that the club intend to take the necessary time to identify the best available solution.

The comments have been interpreted as further confirmation that Köln and Skhiri have decided against working together again.

Financial limitations continue to shape Köln’s transfer planning, though Kessler remains optimistic that the club can secure a suitable defensive midfielder before the window closes.

Skhiri, meanwhile, must continue searching for a new employer. Michy Batshuayi, Noel Futkeu and Jessic Ngankam were likewise permitted to speak with interested clubs.

Skhiri remains under contract with Eintracht through 2027, but no longer appears to feature in the club’s plans for the coming campaign.

GGFN | Peter Weis