Köln have reached a full agreement to sign winger Reigan Heskey from Manchester City on a permanent transfer worth slightly over €2 million. The 18-year-old has already completed his medical and is set to sign a contract running until 2030, with the Bundesliga club expected to confirm the deal formally in the coming days.
Second summer recruit from City
The German side beat several rival clubs for the England U19 international’s signature after squad planner Tim Steidten, who knows Heskey from his previous role as West Ham technical director, helped facilitate the move. Managing director Thomas Kessler also played a central role in negotiations.
Heskey follows former Manchester City academy teammate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to Köln; the centre-back joined earlier this summer for a reported €6 million after his initial loan spell. The pair will reunite in Germany as Köln continue to raid the Premier League champions’ youth ranks.
Player pedigree and style
Standing at 1.84 metres, Heskey arrives with an impressive goalscoring record from City’s academy, netting 18 goals and supplying nine assists in 21 Under-18 Premier League starts last term. Across all youth levels, he scored 41 goals and also made his senior debut in the EFL Cup.
His playing style has drawn comparisons with Köln’s player of the season Said El Mala, who recently declined a lucrative transfer to Premier League side Brentford. Like El Mala, Heskey offers versatility across the forward line.
The teenager is the son of former England striker Emile Heskey, who scored in the famous 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. His older brother, Jaden, also remains on Manchester City’s books.
Official reaction
Kessler praised the youngster’s development, stating: “Reigan (Heskey) has developed excellently at Manchester City in recent years. With his qualities, he is one of the best offensive players in his age range.”
Heskey expressed his enthusiasm for the switch: “I really wanted to go to 1. FC Köln to take the next step in my career. The conversations with those in charge have shown me that my way of playing football is very good for the club. I’m looking forward to the challenge in the Bundesliga and want to take the chance to prove myself here.”