Köln have agreed to sign winger Reigan Heskey from Manchester City on a permanent transfer worth €2 million. The 18-year-old has already completed his medical with the German club and is expected to sign a contract running until 2030.
Transfer Terms
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, the deal is fully agreed and beats several rival clubs who were interested in the teenager. Tim Steidten, Köln’s squad planner, was instrumental in securing the signature having worked with the player during his previous role as West Ham technical director.
City Academy Exodus
The agreement represents the second time this summer that Köln have turned to Manchester City’s academy for reinforcements. They recently signed centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a permanent basis for a reported €6 million, and Heskey will join his former youth teammate in Germany.
Player Profile
Heskey made his first-team debut for City in the EFL Cup last season. Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the competition, giving the youngster his first taste of senior silverware. Across the club’s youth teams, he scored 41 goals, including 18 in 21 starts for the Under-18s in the Premier League.
The 1.84m attacker is the son of former England international Emile Heskey. The elder Heskey earned 62 caps for his country and featured in the famous 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, scoring alongside Liverpool teammates Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard.
Köln are expected to announce the signing formally in the coming days once the long-term contract is finalised. The deal provides Heskey with an opportunity to step away from the Premier League champions and pursue regular first-team football in Germany.