The new board of FC Koeln wants to bring Lukas Podolski back to Germany and intends to meet with the Górnik Zabrze player. Vice-president Ulf Sobek said that Lukas Podolski plays a role in their plans, that they will definitely sit down with him to talk about the ideas that have appeared, and that they will not reject a possibility of cooperation if one exists. Club president Joern Stobbe said that they would be very satisfied. According to 'Express', it will not be easy, as Podolski supported opponents of the new board in the elections and it is uncertain whether he will meet with the current board. The current coach of FC Koeln, Lukas Kwasniok, who knows Podolski, may help reach an agreement.

Lukas Podolski, the 40-year-old German forward who currently plays for Górnik Zabrze in the Polish first division, has stated that a potential return to 1. FC Köln remains open. In an interview with the "Kölner Stadtanzeiger", he said that no one has promised him anything regarding a move. Podolski clarified that he will play professional football at least until May and is not yet certain about his plans beyond that point, while also emphasizing that FC Köln is his club and he would always be happy to help them. His contract with the Polish club is set to expire in June 2026, and according to Transfermarkt, his market value is €200k.