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FC Köln Sign 18-Year-Old Heskey for £8 million

7/18/2026

Summary

Köln Sign Heskey

FC Köln signed 18-year-old forward Reigan Heskey from Manchester City for up to £8 million.
The deal, lasting until 30 June 2031, contains sell-on, buy-back and matching-rights clauses that keep Manchester City involved.
Heskey, son of former England striker Emile Heskey, scored the FA Youth Cup winning goal and debuted for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
Cologne, which finished 14th in the Bundesliga last season, also added City graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

Summary

Köln Secures Heskey

Köln’s recruitment team Thomas Kessler and Tim Steidten outbid rivals to sign Heskey.
Kessler said the club offered a clear sporting plan for Heskey’s development.
Heskey’s style mirrors that of player of the season Said El Mala, indicating a tactical fit.
El Mala turned down a mega Brentford transfer, raising the chance he will stay at Köln with Heskey.
Planners noted Heskey previously teamed with City graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, indicating existing chemistry.

History

Historical Context

In 2000 Liverpool paid a club-record £11 million for Leicester striker Emile Heskey, a gamble Gérard Houllier defended despite Heskey’s modest scoring. Heskey then contributed to Liverpool’s FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble in 2000-01, setting a new valuation benchmark for English forwards. FC Köln’s 2024 signing of 18-year-old Reigan Heskey from Manchester City mirrors that development-and-profit model.

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Köln Sign Heskey

FC Köln signed 18-year-old forward Reigan Heskey from Manchester City for up to £8 million.
The deal, lasting until 30 June 2031, contains sell-on, buy-back and matching-rights clauses that keep Manchester City involved.
Heskey, son of former England striker Emile Heskey, scored the FA Youth Cup winning goal and debuted for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
Cologne, which finished 14th in the Bundesliga last season, also added City graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

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