Werder Bremen was also interested in signing Arian Güzel, but 1. FC Köln ultimately secured the player. Güzel, a 16-year-old central midfielder who is currently captaining Schalke's U17 team, has signed a three-year professional contract with Köln. His contract with Schalke was set to expire at the end of the season. Despite Schalke's interest in retaining him, Güzel chose Köln, where he is expected to train with the first team and may initially play for the second team or U19, depending on his development. This move keeps him in the region, as he is originally from Herne.