Amid rumors of a winter loan, 28-year-old midfielder Alessio Castro-Montes emphasized in an interview with the 'Express' that he could rule that out. He stated he would definitely stay and is not wasting any thoughts on going elsewhere, adding that he wants to prove it was the right decision by those in charge to bring him to Cologne and that he would continue to work hard for that. The Belgian-Spanish player joined the club in September 2025 on a contract until June 2028. In the current Bundesliga season, he has made 4 appearances, providing 1 assist, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €3.50m.