Confirmed | Köln sign Icelandic international Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson

FC Köln have completed a major transfer coup first rumored to be in the works yesterday. Icelandic attacking midfielder Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson will feature in the Bundesliga next season. The 22-year-old switches to Köln from second division side Fortuna Düsseldorf. Jóhannesson signed a five-year-deal with the cathedral city club on Sunday. 

Köln have scored quite the steal from their Ruhr rivals. Jóhannesson proved this season that he can excel at both the six and eight positions. The 33-times-capped Icelandic international also played deep in defensive midfield and even featured once on the back-line. Fortuna – who narrowly missed out on Bundesliga promotion during the 2023/24 playoffs – are left to rue the loss of – per Kicker – their highest rated outfield player.

Jóhannesson is the son of former Premier League journeyman Jóhannes Karl “Joey” Guðjónsson and has accomplished quite a bit for club and country despite his young age. He’s already scored four goals for the Icelandic national team. Last season, he netted 11 goals and contributed seven assists for F95.

“Isak has developed very positively in recent years and is ready for the step up to the Bundesliga,” Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler noted in a club statement. “He is strong in the run and on the ball, versatile in central midfield and brings the footballing quality we were looking for in our squad. We are very pleased that he has chosen FC.”

“I am very happy to sign for a club like 1. FC Köln and to be able to play in the Bundesliga next season,” the player himself added. “I am looking forward to the great atmosphere at the Rhein-Energie-Stadion during our home games and to helping the team with my qualities.”

GGFN | Peter Weis