Sydney FC midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler’s move to Bundesliga club FC Köln has been confirmed, with the Socceroos World Cup star’s transfer after one season in the A-League described by the club as “one of the most significant outgoing transfers in recent years”.
The move for the 21-year-old, who started Australia’s opening World Cup win over Turkiye and loss to USA during a tournament where he impressed in the middle of the park, was reportedly €1million ($1.7m AUD), according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.
FC Koln, based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, finished 14th last season.
It has been a 12 months to remember for Okon-Engstler, who arrived back in Australia for his first season of senior football having arrived from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica.
He had progressed through the academy system of Portugal’s most successful club and featured in the Portuguese second division prior to joining the Sky Blues.
In his first season, during which he made his pro debut with Sydney FC, Okon-Engstler stood out in his 30 appearances across all competitions, while supplying two assists, winning their Player of the Year award in a season that culminated in a Grand Final appearance. Amidst that, he was a key part of Australia’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup squad in Chile. From making his senior Socceroos debut in November against Venezuela, to June, he rocketed into a bona fide first XI option.
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Photo: Aleksandar Jason.
“Sydney FC has been incredible for my development over the past year and I can’t thank everyone enough for the belief they’ve shown in me,” he said in a statement.
“The coaches, my teammates and all of the staff have helped me grow so much as both a player and a person. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to begin my professional career.
“It’s always been a dream to play in one of the top five leagues in the world and I’m really excited for this next challenge. I’ll always look back fondly on my time in Sky Blue and wish everyone at the Club every success.”
Sydney FC coach Patrick Kisnorbo said: “Paul has produced an exceptional first season in professional football and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
“He has developed a mentality and a behaviour to wanting to get better and improve everyday which shows in the games he has played for club and country.
“We’d like to thank Paul for everything he has given Sydney FC, congratulate him on this move and wish him every success at 1. FC Köln.”
Speaking during the World Cup on Football360 Today, Mark Schwarzer described Okon-Engstler as a “new and improved” version of his father, Paul, Socceroos assistant coach and former captain.
“The guy is phenomenal,” he said.
“There were so many elements of his dad – and that is a real compliment.
Paul Okon-Engstler. Photo: Aleksandar Jason.
“He was a phenomenal football…and junior was exceptional and he’s a new improved version.
“He’s got mobility, strength on the ball, calmness, willingness to take the ball on in any situation.”
Last week, Melbourne City goalkeeper Patrick Beach earned a move to Troyes in Ligue 1, while speculation continues around other of Australia’s young brigade, including Nestory Irankunda and a possible move to Sporting CP.
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