FC Köln have bolstered their attacking lineup with the signing of striker Ragnar Ache from 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
The 26-year-old forward has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the RheinEnergieSTADION until June 30, 2029.
Ache, who faced Köln as an opponent on the final matchday of the 2024/25 season, is now set to lead the line for the Billy Goats as they look to strengthen their frontline.
Thomas Kessler, FC’s Sporting Director, welcomed the move:
“Even in my initial discussions with Ragnar, I had the feeling that he was a great fit for 1. FC Köln, both athletically and personally. He’s not only a really good striker, but also someone who will integrate quickly into our team and improve our attack with his quality up front. Filling this position was a key goal for our squad planning – I’m all the more pleased that we’ve now successfully completed the transfer.”
Ache himself expressed excitement about the move and the chance to play in front of Köln’s passionate fanbase.
“When I got the call from 1. FC Köln, I just thought: Great! Now I’m really happy that my move to Cologne has worked out and can hardly wait to play here at the RheinEnergieSTADION. At my last game for Kaiserslautern, I was already able to experience the incredible atmosphere of the Cologne fans; now I want to be on the pitch here for FC – and hopefully celebrate my goals often.”
Career Snapshot
Born in Frankfurt, Ache moved to the Netherlands at age 10 and developed through the youth system at Sparta Rotterdam, where he made 39 senior appearances and scored 7 goals. His performances earned him a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, and later a loan spell at Greuther Fürth.
Ache joined 1. FC Kaiserslautern two years ago, where he enjoyed a strong run in the 2. Bundesliga, scoring 41 goals in 88 appearances.
He also has 20 Bundesliga appearances to his name and featured for Germany’s U21 team and the national squad at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
With his mix of speed, physicality, and experience at both domestic and international levels, Ragnar Ache is expected to play a key role in Köln’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
