After a potential return for Ellyes Skhiri did not materialize and a loan for Edson Álvarez was deemed financially unfeasible, 1. FC Köln is searching for a defensive midfielder. Sporting director Thomas Kessler confirmed the club is looking to make a signing but requires patience. Vinícius Souza has been identified as an option. The recently relegated Wolfsburg has already received an official offer from Köln. According to 'kicker', this offer was for a loan with an option to buy and was rejected. The same source indicates Wolfsburg is reluctant to let the 27-year-old Brazilian go, viewing him as an important part of the team intended to secure an immediate return to Germany's top division. The financial viability of a transfer is also in question, as Wolfsburg paid approximately €15 million for Souza last summer. Souza, whose contract runs until 2030, made 24 Bundesliga appearances last season and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €7.00m. In February 2026, a loan approach from Corinthians was also reportedly refused by Wolfsburg.