Transfer rumour · archive

Martin James to 1. FC Köln

Quiet since 26 July 2026. Last report: kicker. Probability when it went quiet: 88%.

The deal is effectively finished. Martin James, an 18-year-old goalkeeper, leaves Paris Saint Germain as a free agent and joins 1. FC Köln, with the German side and the player already agreed on terms. James was under contract at PSG until 2029, yet he moves for nothing, which tells you how firmly both parties wanted this settled. The framework is in place, the paperwork is the only thing left, and the timeline is short. The sourcing here is unusually strong. kicker, one of the most reliable voices around at 91/100, reported on 26 July that Köln have signed James and agreed a contract through 2029. Florian Plettenberg, trusted at 81/100 across both Sky Sport and his own channels, called it a "DONE DEAL" on 23 July, citing a full agreement and a medical scheduled for Friday. Foot Mercato added on 24 July that the German club had confirmed the move that morning. Three credible outlets, all pointing the same way. This is about as close to certain as these things get. The agreement is done, the terms are settled, and a free transfer removes the single biggest obstacle in most deals, the fee. What remains is the medical and the signature. Note one small wrinkle: Plettenberg mentions a contract until 2028, while kicker says 2029, so the exact length is the only loose thread worth checking. The next trigger is straightforward. The medical was booked for Friday, so once that is passed and the contract is signed, this is complete. An official club announcement would be the final confirmation.

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