Statement from 1. FC Cologne. Defender jewel Rijad Smajic is equipped with his first professional contract. The Effzeh fended off poaching attempts by well-known clubs.

This is reported, among other things, by the Express. The 18-year-old central defender will sign his first professional contract until 2025 on Friday. Benfica and FC Porto are said to have shown interest in the Cologne-born Bosnian youth international. A trio from the Bundesliga also courted Smajic.

In the end, the perspective in Cologne spoke for staying. Coach Steffen Baumgart is known for relying on talent and being able to develop it further. However, Smajic should be built up carefully and initially collect match practice in the second team in the regional league. In addition, he should regularly take part in professional training.

The two squad nominations of the 1.90 meter tall defender in the Conference League and the Bundesliga show that the breakthrough could not be long in coming. Smajic has not yet made his professional debut.

In addition to the whereabouts of Smajic, there is other good news from the FC youth. According to Express, U19 captain Meiko Wäschenbach will also sign a professional contract. The 18-year-old junior national player wants to assert himself in Cologne in the long term. In the summer, VfB Stuttgart in particular courted the playmaker and enticed him to be integrated into the professional squad immediately.

This article was originally blocked on 90min.com/de as poaching attempts: 1. FC Köln keep defensive jewel Rijad Smajic published.