According to 'RTL' and 'n-tv', 1. FC Köln has a reported connection to 21-year-old German-Turkish central midfielder Umut Tohumcu from TSG Hoffenheim, with whom he has a contract until 2028. The Germany U21 international was on loan at Holstein Kiel for the recently concluded 2. Bundesliga season, an arrangement that lasts until June 2026. The level of seriousness of the interest from Köln is currently not known. However, it is believed that other clubs, including Torino, are also likely observing the player's situation after his performances for Kiel were persuasive. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value to be €4.00m.