Marcel Hartel open to 'matter of the heart' FC Köln return hero image

Marcel Hartel open to 'matter of the heart' FC Köln return

The St. Louis midfielder is a candidate for a potential transfer back to the club where he began his football career.

Published: 1 Apr 2026 12:22 GMT • 3h ago

Marcel Hartel, a 30-year-old German offensive player and Cologne native, is a candidate for a potential move to 1. FC Köln, where he began his football career. He stated that if the club were to make a serious approach, it would be a matter of the heart for him and would complete his footballing career. Hartel added that it would be a wonderful story if the club expressed that they wanted him and that he could help.

Although he is currently under contract with St. Louis in the USA until 2028, having joined in July 2024, a return to Germany before his contract ends is considered conceivable. Hartel said that despite his two wonderful and valuable years in America, he would definitely consider any serious interest from Germany and would think about a concrete offer. The central midfielder, who has 9 caps and 4 goals for Germany's U21 team, has a current market value of €4.50m according to Transfermarkt and has scored 2 goals in 4 Major League Soccer appearances this season.