Mark Uth: Does he change or end his career at FC?

Mark Uth, key player of 1. FC Köln, leaves his future open. The contract expires, the first talks have been initiated.
Mark Uth, key player of 1. FC Köln, leaves his future open. The contract expires, the first talks have been initiated. (Symbolbild/NAGW)

Mark Uth: Does he change or end his career at FC?

Köln, Deutschland - The 1. FC Köln is currently in an exciting phase, both on the square and away from it. In a recent second division game, the team achieved a tie of 1-1 against Greuther Fürth, with Mark Uth stating for half an hour on the field. Uth, who is considered one of the best players of FC, has not played for so long since May 2024 and is optimistic about the next games.

The veteran looks particularly at the upcoming home game against Prussia Münster next Sunday. There he hopes for his first start-up in 16 months. "I feel physically good and the game was not bad," says Uth and indicates his return to the action.

contractual uncertainties

The contract of Mark Uth expires at the end of the season, but is automatically extended by one year if the 1. FC Köln rises. Despite this regulation, Uth is unsure about his future. In a conversation with sports manager Christian Keller, he showed his intention to have further discussions in the next three to four weeks. "I rule out a change of club," Uth replied to the corresponding question.

The team doesn't just have Uth in view. The injury situation also causes worry lines: Dejan Ljubicic could not train due to an ankle breath, while Joel Schmied had to be treated after a collision. A bright spot is Timo Hübers, who is fit again after an infection and is available to the team.

squad planning and contractual situation

The season is coming to an end, and the focus is also on the squad planning. The 1. FC Köln has a mixture of pre-corona contracts and those that were concluded after pandemic. While some of the pre-corona contracts have long terms and higher salaries, the newer contracts are usually shorter and could increase the flexibility of the squad. In the summer of 2023 a total of twelve professional contracts expire, which opens up opportunities for active squad design.

Currently some key players still have contracts that will soon end, including Mark Uth. In the summer of 2021, the 30-year-old signed his ongoing contract as a transfer-free player. Further contracting days affect several players; For example, Timo Horn, who has played over 300 competitive games for FC, is one of the top earners whose contract runs until 2023

The coming weeks will be crucial for both Mark Uth and for the entire team, as they have to play important games before the squad design and the next season. The uncertainties about the contractual situation and the fitness of some players could have a strong influence on the course of the next few months.

For more information about the squad of the 1. FC Köln and the current situation, the reports of In love in Cologne recommended.

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OrtKöln, Deutschland
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