Lukas Kwasniok is likely to become the new coach of 1. FC Köln

According to consistent media reports, 1. FC Köln is on the verge of signing their desired coach, Lukas Kwasniok.

The 43-year-old has reportedly received approval from SC Paderborn to join the newly promoted Bundesliga side, according to reports from "Bild," the Cologne-based "Express," and "Sky." A transfer fee of approximately one million euros is reportedly due. Kwasniok is expected to sign a contract until 2027.

It would be one of the most expensive coaching transfers in Cologne's club history; the club paid an even higher sum to Holstein Kiel for Markus Anfang in 2018. Kwasniok would succeed Friedhelm Funkel at the second division champions and coach a first division club for the first time.

Kwasniok most recently spent four years as coach of SC Paderborn, with whom he fought for promotion to the Bundesliga until the end of the 2024/25 season, leading them to fourth place – his best finish during his time with the East Westphalians. After missing out on promotion, Kwasniok initially announced his intention to take a break.

The signing of Kwasniok would repeat a piece of FC history; Cologne had already hired a long-time coach from SC Paderborn in 2021: Under Steffen Baumgart, the Rhinelanders, who had previously narrowly escaped relegation, qualified for the Conference League at their first attempt. Kwasniok succeeded Baumgart in Paderborn.

Before his stint in Paderborn, Kwasniok worked as a coach at 1. FC Saarbrücken and Carl Zeiss Jena, among others. With Saarbrücken, he reached the semifinals of the DFB Cup in 2020 and achieved promotion to the 3. Liga.

Before Kwasniok's appointment, there had been media speculation about whether Friedhelm Funkel would remain as FC Cologne's coach. The 71-year-old had led Cologne to promotion in the last two games of the season and signaled his intention to continue. However, he didn't "feel 100 percent support among the committees," Funkel said.

• WDR
• 1. FC Cologne
• Bundesliga
• football