FC Köln have officially loaned Bosnian right back Jusuf Gazibegovic back to his former loan club Sturm Graz for the duration of the season. Gazibegovic served as Köln’s first signing following a two-year CAS-imposed transfer ban last December. The 23-times-capped B & H international made 11 2. Bundesliga appearances (10 starts) for die Geißböcke last spring.
In the Germany top flight, however, Gazibegovic has been unable to accrue minutes behind summer acquisition Sebastian Sebulonsen. The 25-year-old has made just one substitute appearance (22 minutes against SC Freiburg on matchday two) all season. Gazibegovic maintains a €3m estimated market value and remains under contract with Köln through 2028.
“Everyone knows how much SK Sturm means to me, what a great time I had here and that I have always followed what is going on in Graz,” the player noted in his statement accompanying the signing. “When the opportunity arose to come back on loan, I didn’t have to think twice. I hope to get a lot of playing time, want to work hard with the team every day, and want to help the team get the most out of every single game.“
