According to Sport Bild, 1. FC Köln are exploring the possibility of signing Marius Bülter from TSG Hoffenheim. The 32-year-old attacker, who previously stood out at Schalke in both Germany’s top two divisions, once drew attention from Premier League sides and was even considered a possible pick for the national squad.
Bülter has had difficulty establishing himself at Hoffenheim, in part due to being played in unfamiliar roles. Despite that, he managed to produce seven goals and four assists in 25 Bundesliga matches last season. His overall tally in the top tier stands at 27 goals, collected across spells with Hoffenheim, Schalke, and Union Berlin.
Reinforcements needed in attack
The club from the Rhine has already made key additions to its offense in preparation for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign, including Ragnar Ache, Jakub Kaminski, and Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson. Still, there is a gap in the roster for a centre-forward with proven credentials at the highest level.
Although often fielded on the wing in recent years, Bülter is capable of operating as a traditional number nine or as a central support striker. That flexibility makes him a potential fit alongside or behind Ache in Köln’s attacking system.
Hoffenheim could be open to sale
Bülter is not on the list of players Hoffenheim are actively looking to offload, but his current contract runs out next summer. Having already secured Tim Lemperle from Köln this transfer window, Hoffenheim may be open to negotiations if the right offer comes in.
Bülter joined Hoffenheim for €3 million and currently holds an estimated value of €2.5 million. Meanwhile, Köln appear set to restructure their forward line, with Florian Dietz, Steffen Tigges, and Sargis Adamyan all reportedly on the radar of 2. Bundesliga teams, as the trio are not expected to feature prominently in the top flight next season.
