Cologne Targets Skhiri If Álvarez Deal Falls Through

Köln’s Ongoing Rebuild

René Wagner’s side is in the middle of a significant overhaul after the surprise dismissal of Lukas Kwasniok in March 2026. The club has already added depth by signing Nürnberg’s Luka Lochoshvili, along with Jahmai Simpson‑Pusey and Tom Krauß on permanent deals. Negotiations are also close for Gideon Mensah and Paul Okon‑Engstler, showing a busy transfer window for the Billy Goats.

Álvarez Pursuit and Back‑Up Plans

Köln had been linked with West Ham’s Edson Álvarez, but if that move collapses they have a clear fallback. According to a Bild report, the Eagles have placed former player Ellyes Skhiri on their transfer list for roughly €2 million. Unlike Álvarez’s potential wage demands, Skhiri’s salary is not expected to hinder the negotiations.

Skhiri’s Financial Profile

The Moroccan midfielder is presently under contract at Eintracht Frankfurt with one season remaining. His €2 m price tag is considered modest for Bundesliga standards, making him an attractive option for a club rebuilding its midfield. Talks are already underway, and interest is set to intensify if the Álvarez deal is not finalized.

What the Move Could Mean for Köln

Adding Skhiri would give Wagner another option in the middle of the park without stretching the budget. The player’s familiarity with German football, combined with his current contract situation, could provide additional leverage for future negotiations. This backup plan ensures Köln stays active in the market regardless of how the Álvarez saga unfolds.