Midfielder Niklas Hauptmann (21) arrives from Dynamo Dresden to sign a long-term deal with 1. FC Köln.

1. FC Köln have secured the services of Niklas Hauptmann from Dynamo Dresden on a deal until 2023. The two clubs have agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.

FC Managing Director Armin Veh states: “We are very happy that Niklas has decided to join us. Despite his young age, he plays with a lot of maturity and has developed into one of the top performers at Dynamo Dresden. He runs a lot and is very effective in his position, particularly in attack. He fits ideally to the way we want to play football in the future.”

The transfer to Cologne marks a return to the city of his birth. Niklas Hauptmann made his mark as a professional at Dynamo Dresden. After his debut in the third division in the 2015/16 season, the 21-year-old became a starter in the subsequent season in the second division. He has featured in a total of 59 matches for Dresden.

Niklas Hauptmann states: “I was born here and grew up with this club. I know exactly what it means to play for FC. The transfer here is for me the next step, but also the right step. The talks with Armin Veh and Markus Anfang were the convincing factors, but I also know that I am coming to a team facing a big challenge on the pitch. This is a big club with tradition that I can identify myself with and give my best for.”