FC Köln decide against Toni Leistner deal; returns to QPR

FC Köln sporting director Horst Heldt has confirmed the Bundesliga club will not sign QPR defender Toni Leistner on a permanent deal as the Bundesliga club look to trim their squad.

“We spoke to Toni over the past week and told him that we currently have an oversupply of central defenders,” Heldt told Bild.

“After the last home game against Frankfurt we had a good conversation with Toni. He did an excellent job on and off the pitch and that’s why other clubs are interested. We were unable to make a binding commitment and therefore informed Toni that it makes sense to consider other options now.”

Leistner joined FC Köln on a six-month loan deal in January. The 29-year-old played 13 Bundesliga games for the Billy Goats, helping them secure top flight football for the coming season.

Köln have an overload of central defenders, including: Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jorge Meré, Rafael Czichos, João Queirós, Lasse Sobiech, Frederik Sørensen and Yann Aurel Bisseck. The Bundesliga club are looking to offload before bringing new players to the club.

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