Köln sign Tom Krauß permanently from Mainz

Tom Krauß's loan at 1. FC Köln from Mainz has been made permanent.

Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images

After spending the 2025/26 season on loan at 1. FC Köln from Mainz, Tom Krauß’s move has now been made permanent.

The Billy Goats confirmed on Thursday that a mandatory purchase option has been triggered after Köln secured Bundesliga survival, tying the midfielder down to a contract until 2029.

“We are very pleased that Tom will continue to wear the FC shirt in the future. He is a player who brings a great deal of emotion, passion and identification both on and off the pitch,” said Köln managing director Thomas Kessler.

“Especially in the decisive phase of last season, despite a painful knee issue, he did everything to serve the team and 1. FC Köln. That says a lot about his character and mentality. Players like that are valuable for any squad. We are convinced that Tom, with his quality and his attitude, will be an important piece in our squad planning and can help us achieve our goals in the Bundesliga.”

Krauß, who made 27 appearances for Köln in the 2025/26 campaign, said:

“The most important thing for me was that we stayed up. I am extremely happy and proud that we achieved this goal together with our fans and the whole city. I am looking forward to the new season at FC and will continue to give everything to ensure we stay in the Bundesliga.”