1. FC Köln’s Kessler: “We can provide the conditions for Chavez’s growth”

1. FC Köln have once again strengthened their squad this January window via the acquisition of young talent. This time, on deadline day, Bayern Munich’s Felipe Chavez moved on loan to the Billy Goats until the end of the season.

Chavez made his first ever appearance for Bayern’s senior squad only just under a month ago against Wolfsburg on matchday 16.

Born in 2007, Chavez is only 18 years old and is one of the youngest in Köln’s squad.

Now, he has the opportunity for even more game time as a part of an already young Köln side. They currently sit 10th in the Bundesliga with a solid buffer of 5 points difference from the relegation zone.

He joins Jahmai Simpson-Pusey as the second young signing from a Champions League side for the side on the river Rhine and offers an exciting potential double flank potential on the wing alongside young star Said El Mala. 

The option to buy for Chavez currently lies around a reported €800,000 for Köln, which would be a bargain should he carve himself out a prominent role as a rotation option for the rest of the season.

After Simpson-Pusey joined in January, the Billy Goats actually already have one of the youngest starting XIs in the Bundesliga (around 24 ½ years old) with the potential for this to go even younger if Chavez were to start for them this season.

About the excitement at the club surrounding this signing, 1. FC Köln sporting director Kessler said: “We are convinced we can provide the optimal framework and conditions to consistently showcase his talent and develop his game.”

He added: “He is a very interesting profile for our squad. His attacking abilities and positional variety gives us additional variety in midfield.”

He took part in 1. FC Köln’s training on Tuesday for the first time and was greeted well by the team. 

The next game for 1. FC Köln is on Sunday at home against RB Leipzig.