Köln sends Gazibegović to Poland as Sebulonsen takes over

Officially, FC Köln have sent Bosnia and Herzegovina international right‑back Jusuf Gazibegović (also spelled Gazibegovi) on a season‑long loan to Polish Ekstraklasa side Widzew Łódź, while 18‑year‑old striker Fynn Schenten is set to join Dutch club Roda JC Kerkrade in Holland after completing his medical.

Köln’s managing director Thomas Kessler confirmed that Gazibegović was informed early that he no longer featured in the club’s Bundesliga plans. The defender lost his starting place to Sebastian Sebulonsen after making 11 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga promotion campaign and only a single 22‑minute Bundesliga appearance.

The season‑long loan includes an option for Widzew Łódź to purchase the 25‑year‑old permanently, giving him a chance to secure regular playing time in Poland after a disappointing spell in Cologne. The agreement runs for the coming season and provides Widzew with a potential long‑term defensive asset.

Widzew’s sporting director Artur Płatek stressed that Gazibegović has not been signed merely to provide squad depth and is expected to compete for a prominent role on the right side of their defence. The club’s strategy is to strengthen that area with a player accustomed to Bundesliga standards.

Köln view Schenten as a long‑term first‑team prospect, having signed him to a professional contract through 2030 in January. The club rejected requests to insert a purchase option into the loan, preferring the forward to gain senior experience before returning to challenge for a place in Köln’s attack.

Schenten has already made seven Bundesliga appearances this season. He is scheduled to undergo a medical with Roda JC Kerkrade on Monday, after which the loan is expected to be finalised.

Roda JC Kerkrade, a Dutch club competing in the Netherlands’ second tier, will give Schenten regular senior football in Holland. Gazibegović expressed disappointment over his lack of opportunities but welcomed the chance to begin a new chapter in Poland.