Köln agree Skhiri deal with Frankfurt as salary talks continue

1. 1. FC Köln are moving closer to bringing Ellyes Skhiri back to the club after reportedly reaching an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt over a transfer for the midfielder.

BILD reports that the two Bundesliga clubs have found common ground over the deal, with personal terms now representing the main obstacle to Skhiri’s return to Köln.

The midfielder and Köln are understood to remain apart over salary expectations, meaning the transfer cannot yet be considered complete despite progress between the clubs.

Skhiri’s situation has been developing for several weeks. Köln have explored the possibility of bringing the Tunisia international back to the club, while Frankfurt have been open to a departure as they continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.

The 31-year-old previously spent four seasons at Köln between 2019 and 2023, establishing himself as an important presence in central midfield before leaving for Frankfurt on a free transfer.

His potential return would therefore be more than a straightforward new signing.

Skhiri already understands the demands of the club, the Bundesliga and the environment in Köln, which could reduce the adaptation period normally associated with a summer arrival.

From a sporting perspective, he would add experience, defensive awareness and positional discipline to the midfield. His ability to protect the space in front of the defence and contribute during transitions could give Köln greater stability in central areas.

The remaining question is whether the club and player can agree on financial terms.

That issue is particularly important because the reported club-to-club agreement removes one of the most difficult stages of the transfer process. If the salary gap can be resolved, the path toward a return to Köln would become significantly clearer.

There is still competition for Skhiri, however, and Sevilla have also been linked with a move. Until personal terms are agreed, that leaves open the possibility of another club influencing the final outcome.

For now, Skhiri should be considered closer to a Köln return than at previous stages of the summer, but the deal remains incomplete.

The next decisive step will be an agreement between the player and Köln over his contract. Until that happens, the transfer remains advanced rather than finalized.