Lineup of 1. FC Köln: Hopeful Schmied before a comeback!

Lineup of 1. FC Köln: Hopeful Schmied before a comeback!

There are always exciting developments in today's football world, especially when it comes to player transfers and performance. On December 31, 2025, many clubs will take a closer look at the upcoming games and the winter break, and discussions about the squad and possible reinforcements are in full swing. The focus here is on 1. FC Köln, especially with regard to defender Joel Schmied, who recently returned from an injury.

Particularly noteworthy is Patrick Mainka from 1. FC Heidenheim, who is considered the uncrowned “price-performance king” of the league. With a market value of 3,760,000 euros, he has played every minute in the Bundesliga over the past two and a half years and scores an average of 3.65 Comunio points per game. He scored his fourth goal on matchday 13 and in the last four games he has catapulted himself into the top ten Comunio players - a real stroke of luck for any manager. FC Heidenheim also has upcoming matches against 1. FC Köln and Mainz 05, which could be crucial for the rest of the season.

Smith and other players in the spotlight

With Joel Schmied, 1. FC Köln is also in a good position, even if he had to sit out the last four games due to injury. The defender, whose market value is currently 700,000 euros, could soon be on the pitch against Heidenheim after his comeback. Fans and club officials hope that his return to training in the new year will have a positive impact on the defense.

On the other hand, Wolfsburg's Denis Vavro is another name that is under scrutiny. With his market value of 2,270,000 euros, he could take on a significant role in the defensive game when he is fit again. Despite an adductor injury that kept him out of action for much of the season, he was able to put up a respectable 142 points last season. Now he hopes to return to the starting line-up after the winter break.

Market situation and transfer balance

Transfer activity in the Bundesliga shows remarkable figures. In total, the competition recorded 268 departures and 278 arrivals. The clubs' transfer balance is currently an increase of 183,595,000 euros, with income per club amounting to 59,217,778 euros. The overall balance of departures, however, is slightly negative, which highlights the challenges for teams looking to optimize their squad composition.

Among the players, Eintracht Frankfurt's Jonathan Burkardt is also being monitored, although he could be out until the end of January due to a sore calf. It has a proud market value of 14,500,000 euros, which many experts believe is currently unjustified. It is recommended to invest in Younes Ebnoutalib instead, who impressed and moved from SV Elversberg to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The coming months promise exciting games and possible surprises in the transfer market. Stay tuned and follow the developments surrounding 1. FC Köln and the other clubs in the league!

For more information on the players and current developments, take a look Communion, Kicker and Transfer market.