1. FC Köln has extended the contracts of Matthias Lehmann, Marcel Risse, and Frederik Sorensen.

FC has secured the long-term services of three of its most consistent performers. While Captain Matthias Lehmann has signed a one-year extension, Marcel Risse will stay at the club until 2022 while Frederik Sorensen is set to remain until 2021.

“Freddie Sorensen is a top professional, who can play the defensive positions with a high degree of variability. His calm presence fits splendidly into our team and he has proved in the one-and-a-half years with us as a center back and right-back how important he is to this team,” explains FC Head Coach Peter Stöger. Sorensen’s contract was set to run until 2019. The Danish 24-year-old has featured in 38 Bundesliga matches for 1. FC Köln and played every minute of the 16 Hinrunde matches in the 2016/17 season.

“It brings me great joy to be part of this team and to play in the Bundesliga with FC. Following my switch from Serie A, I have lived here for one-and-a-half years that have brought me further as a player. I am glad to continue on this path with FC and am confident that this team, along with its incredible fans, can become successful,” said Frederik Sorensen.

The Captain is staying

Matthias Lehmann arrived at FC in the summer of 2012. He will continue to wear the FC kit until at least 30 June 2018, having signed a new one-year deal with the club. “Matze Lehmann is an exemplary captain for our team. With his approach and performances, he is an important building block for our club. The way he is working his way back from injury at the moment is extraordinary,” said Peter Stöger.

Matthias Lehmann comments on his contract extension: “Being the captain of 1. FC Köln remains something very special for me. I value the work we do here and accept my responsibility. I am convinced that we can continue to build on the positive developments taking place at this club. I want to play an integral part in that once I return from my injury.” Lehmann has featured in 147 matches (6 goals) for FC thus far.

Risse extends long-term

1. FC Köln have also extended the contract of Marcel Risse, whose previous deal was set to run out in the summer of 2019. His new deal will see him tied to FC until the summer of 2022. After having suffered an ACL injury in December the right-winger continues to work hard on his recovery.

“Up until his knee injury Marcel Risse was playing at a top level and played an integral part in our success up until the winter break with his two goals and four assists. Marcel is not only a consistent performer, but also a figure that makes up the identity of this team,” said Peter Stöger.

“I know what I have with FC. I can feel a sense of continuity and trust with this group. These are traits that distinguish 1. FC Köln for me,” said Marcel Risse. “The fact that we agreed on the extension during my rehabilitation process symbolizes how much they value me, for which I am very thankful.” Risse has played in 115 competitive matches and scored 23 goals since his arrival in the summer of 2013.