Newly promoted FC Köln is wasting no time addressing squad needs as they prepare for their return to the Bundesliga. Reports indicate the Billy Goats are in active negotiations to acquire a much-needed reinforcement: Norwegian right-back Sebastian Sebulonsen from Danish club Brøndby IF.
It seems Köln finds itself in a rather peculiar position heading into the top flight: a distinct lack of experienced, natural right-backs. Last season, the role was often filled by Jan Thielmann, a player whose natural habitat is further up the pitch on the wing. While adaptable, relying on a winger for defensive duties isn`t exactly a long-term blueprint for Bundesliga survival.
Adding to the situation, Köln recently shipped off the only actual right-back on their books, Rasmus Carstensen, back to Denmark on loan to Aarhus. Yes, you read that right. The one dedicated option went out the door just as the hunt for a replacement heats up. A classic piece of footballing timing, perhaps?
Enter Sebastian Sebulonsen. The 25-year-old Norwegian international (formerly U21) is currently with Brøndby. His contract situation adds an interesting dynamic: he`s entering the final year of his deal. This often puts pressure on the selling club (Brøndby) to negotiate rather than risk losing the player for free next summer. Sebulonsen joined Brøndby in 2022 from Norway`s Viking FK for €1.5m and is now estimated to be worth around €2.5m – a standard increase for a player who has developed.
On the financial front, Köln isn`t exactly flush with cash, but they have managed a slight positive balance this summer. Thanks to recent player sales, reportedly including Max Finkgräfe and Damion Downs, the club has an estimated transfer surplus of €1.8m. While this doesn`t quite cover Sebulonsen`s estimated market value of €2.5m, it provides a starting point for negotiations and signals Köln`s willingness to invest some funds to fix this positional weakness. The difference might need to be covered by further player movements or creative deal structures.
Securing a capable right-back is paramount for Köln`s Bundesliga campaign. A solid defense is the foundation, and having a specialist in that position provides stability and tactical options that a makeshift solution simply cannot offer consistently at the highest level.
As negotiations continue, Sebulonsen represents a clear target to plug a critical gap in the Köln squad. His availability, experience in a decent European league, and contract situation make him a sensible, if not entirely straightforward financially, option for the newly promoted side looking to build a Bundesliga-ready roster. The coming days will reveal if Köln can successfully bring the Norwegian defender to the cathedral city.
