Köln join Monaco and Burnley in race for Stoke defender

1. FC Köln have reportedly joined AS Monaco and Burnley in showing interest in Stoke City left-back Eric-Junior Bocat.

Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

With just over a week to go before the transfer window closes, 1. FC Köln are still looking to strengthen in several positions.

One area they are keen to reinforce is left-back, with new signing Gideon Mensah currently the only natural left-back in the squad.

According to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Stoke City’s Eric-Junior Bocat has emerged as a target for the Billy Goats.

AS Monaco and Burnley are also reportedly interested in the 27-year-old Frenchman, who joined Stoke from Saint-Truiden in 2024.

Since then, Bocat has made 69 appearances for the Championship side, scoring once and providing four assists.