"New challenge"

For free! Will Struber striker move to Ilzer club?

Christian Ilzer (left) is currently said to be trying to sign Tim Lemperle, the best striker in Gerhard Struber's squad (right).

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Cologne coach Gerhard Struber is facing a bitter loss: goal-guarantor Tim Lemperle does not want to extend his contract, which expires in the summer. Instead, the striker is looking for a "new challenge". And this could be offered to him by Christian Ilzer of all people at Hoffenheim ... 

After a difficult phase, 1. FC Köln has regained its footing in the Second Bundesliga and is now level on points with Elversberg and Paderbord at the top of the league. The goal of regaining promotion seems a distinct possibility. But new dark clouds are already gathering over the cathedral city.

A key face of the current upswing, striker Tim Lemperle, does not want to extend his contract, which expires in the summer, as managing director Christian Keller confirmed on Friday: "It is correct that Tim has announced that he will accept a new challenge for next season." 

Trail leads to Hoffenheim
Although the striker wants to play for Cologne "with all his heart and soul" until the last game, it will be a painful farewell for Struber and the club. And there are plenty of interested parties for the 22-year-old.

The hottest trail, however, is said to lead to Hoffenheim. The duo Andreas Schicker and Christian Ilzer are said to want to sign the young German on a free transfer. An undertaking that Lemperle himself is said not to be averse to. However, Hoffenheim must first get back on the road to success.