Socceroos star Okon-Engstler heading to Bundesliga
Australia midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler is on the cusp of joining Bundesliga side FC Koln, with reports that he will join the Billy Goats for a fee of €1 million ($1.65 million) from Sydney FC.
Okon-Engstler will travel to the German top-flight next week to complete a medical and sign for the club, which finished 14th in the Bundesliga last season.
The 21-year-old Socceroos star, who is the son of Socceroos assistant coach Paul, started Australia's 2-0 win over Turkiye that got its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a sparkling start, with Okon-Engstler providing the assist for Nestory Irankunda's spectacular opening goal in that came before Conor Metcalfe sealed the deal with his long-range strike.
Australia, though, exited the tournament in the Round of 32 after a disappointing display against Egypt, which won the match on penalties before its own exit to Argentina in the Round of 16.
Okon-Engstler is not new to life in Europe, havig been at Benfica's academy in Portugal before his move to Sydney FC in 2025-2026.
He will be hoping for first-team appearances at Kolnunder boss Rene Wagner, who was given the coaching reins permanently in May having steered the side away from relegation as its interim coach.
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