Pulisic is chasing a first league title, Balogun is delivering in Europe, and Brenden Aaronson is fighting relegation - GOAL breaks down the biggest Americans Abroad storylines across Europe this weekend.
Florian Wirtz's £100 million ($130m) move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool didn't just upset Bayern Munich. It also hit hard at Koln. After all, Wirtz had come through their academy only to leave for Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 - and for a paltry €300,000 (£265,000/$350,000). Koln were furious. They felt Leverkusen had broken a 'gentleman's agreement' by signing one of the most exciting young players they'd ever produced - but there was nothing they could do about it. Wirtz's contract was expiring and he wanted to leave.
Former Bayern Munich and Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet. The 40-year-old World Cup winner has hinted he could extend his playing career at Gornik Zabrze beyond this season if the Polish side continue their remarkable title charge proving once again that the German forward’s love for football still burns bright.
Former Germany midfielder Didi Hamann criticised the match officials after Luis Diaz was wrongly deemed onside before scoring the equaliser, which proved to be the turning point in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Koln. Hamann argued that the absence of VAR until the third round of the DFB-Pokal is unfair to teams that have been eliminated due to refereeing errors.
Koln sporting director Thomas Kessler has moved to calm the hype surrounding rising star Said El Mala, following reports of interest from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and several Premier League clubs. El Mala has committed his future to Koln by signing a contract until 2030 and the director insists he will not be sold any time soon by the Bundesliga side.
Harry Kane says his first goal away at FC Koln on Tuesday was "one of his favourites" so far this season as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat the newly-promoted Bundesliga side 4-1 in the DFB Pokal. The England captain struck twice as Bayern created history by becoming the first team ever in Europe's top five leagues to win their first 14 games to a season in all competitions.
Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the progress of highly-rated Koln forward Said El Mala but face stiff competition for his signature from a number of European heavyweights. The 19-year-old has been in fine form for the Bundesliga side in 2025-26, leading to several members of Europe’s elite to register their interest in signing the winger.
Bayern Munich have reportedly opened talks with Koln over the signing of German wonderkid Said El Mala. The Bavarian club are said to be the most advanced in their pursuit of the youngster, but they face competition from English sides, as Koln had previously rejected a substantial summer offer from Brighton.
Chelsea have reportedly joined Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Koln’s rising star Said El Mala. The 19-year-old winger, who only broke into the Bundesliga this season, has taken Germany by storm with his pace and dribbling skills, quickly turning into one of Europe’s hottest young talents.
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in Koln winger Said El Mala, but have been told they will have to stump up a fair price as the Bundesliga side will only let him leave only for a club-record fee. The teenager, tied to the club until 2030, has already been the subject of a €20 million offer from Brighton during the summer transfer window.
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