Headline: FC Köln Secures Loan Deal for Striker Thijs Dallinga from Bologna
FC Köln has officially announced the loan signing of Bologna striker Thijs Dallinga for the 2026/27 season. The Bundesliga club also confirmed they have secured a purchase option for the Dutch forward, who is 26 years old. According to Kicker, Köln can make Dallinga’s move permanent for around €10 million next summer. Earlier reports suggested the option might be as high as €11 million.
The structure of this deal resembles the transfer that brought Jakub Kamiński to Köln. Like Kamiński, Dallinga hopes to regain his form in Germany’s notable “Domstadt.” The Polish international successfully rejuvenated his career during a fruitful loan spell before Köln opted to keep him. Dallinga aims to achieve a similar turnaround.
Dallinga arrives in Köln to revitalize his career after facing challenges over the past two seasons in Serie A. Bologna had acquired the striker from Toulouse for nearly €16 million in 2024, but he scored just 12 goals in 80 competitive matches during his time in Italy. Last season, Dallinga frequently took on a substitute role, especially after Bologna signed Roberto Piccoli from Fiorentina.
Statements on Thijs Dallinga’s signing
“We are very pleased that Thijs has chosen FC Köln,” stated Köln’s managing director Thomas Kessler in an official club announcement. “He’s a striker we’ve been monitoring closely, and he possesses many attributes that we have been seeking for our attack. Thijs has a strong presence in the penalty area, moves effectively in front of the goal, and works selflessly for the team during defensive phases.”
“I had some very good conversations with [head coach] René Wagner,” Dallinga remarked. “He convinced me that joining Köln was the right decision. FC Köln is a really cool club with great fans, and I’ve always aspired to play in the Bundesliga. I’m genuinely looking forward to this opportunity.”
FC Köln have officially confirmed the signing of Bologna striker Thijs Dallinga on loan for the 2026/27 campaign. The Bundesliga club have also secured a purchase option on the 26-year-old Dutchman. Kicker reports that Köln can make the move permanent for approximately €10m next summer. Earlier reports placed the option slightly higher at €11m.
The structure bears similarities to the deal that initially brought Jakub Kamiński to the cathedral city from Wolfsburg. Like Kaminski, Dallinga is hopeful of turning a career slump around in Germany’s famed “Domstadt”. The Polish international revived his career during a highly productive loan spell before Cologne eventually committed to retaining him. The Dutchman will be hoping for the same.
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Dallinga arrives in Germany looking to revive his career following two difficult seasons in Serie A. Bologna paid Toulouse approximately €16m for the striker in 2024, but the Dutchman managed only 12 goals in 80 competitive appearances for the Italian club. Dallinga increasingly operated as a substitute last season and Bologna have since brought in Roberto Piccoli from Fiorentina.
Statements on Thijs Dallinga’s signing
“We’re very pleased that Thijs has chosen FC Cologne,” Cologne managing director Thomas Kessler noted in a club statement. “He’s a striker we’ve been closely monitoring, and he brings many of the qualities we’ve been looking for in our attack. Thijs has a strong presence in the penalty area, moves well in front of the goal, and at the same time works very selflessly for the team when defending.”
“I had some very good conversations with [head coach] René Wagner,” the player himself added. “He convinced me that coming to Cologne was the right decision. FC Cologne is a really cool club with great fans and I’ve always wanted to play in the Bundesliga. I’m really looking forward to it.”
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