Tom Krauß
KOE
CM
Creative Playmaker
Jun 22, 2001 (25)
Right
6'0"
159 lb
FC KölnStarts in friendly
Krauss (knee) is in the starting squad for Saturday's friendly against FC Rheinsud Koln and is fully fit for the new season, the club posted.
Analysis: Krauss played through a partial knee ligament tear for six weeks last season, a decision tied to ensuring Koln's Bundesliga survival triggered the mandatory buy clause in his loan from Mainz, sealing his permanent move to the club. He was ultimately held out of the season finale against Bayern Munich as a precaution once the pain flared up again, but his inclusion in the starting preseason squad now confirms he is fully healthy and ready to build on his form as an official permanent member of the squad heading into the new campaign.
Fully in group for preseason
Krauss is included in Rene Wagner's squad for 1. FC Koln's pre-season start, having sat out the season finale at Bayern Munich as a precaution after playing through weeks of knee pain, the club posted.
Analysis: Krauss picked up the knee issue, a partial ligament tear, in training back in March, the last match under previous coach Lukas Kwasniok, but kept playing through it for six weeks because Koln's Bundesliga survival would trigger the mandatory buy clause in his loan from Mainz, sealing his permanent move to the club. head coach Rene Wagner eventually pulled him from the squad entirely for the Bayern finale once the pain flared up again against Heidenheim, calling to let his knee rest rather than anything serious. With safety secured and the transfer now finalized, Krauss is back in Koln's full pre-season group as an official permanent player, and everything points to him being available and sharp for next friendlies and season opener.
Permanently joins Koln
Krauss has permanently joined Koln from Mainz after a mandatory purchase clause was activated following the club's Bundesliga survival, signing a contract until 2029, the club announced.
Analysis: Krauss joined on loan last summer and made 27 appearances throughout the campaign, earning particular praise from sporting director Thomas Kessler for his commitment during the crucial final stretch of the season when he played through a painful knee problem to help the club secure survival. Kessler highlighted his emotionality, passion and identification with the club as key qualities that make him an important piece of Koln's planning going forward, while Krauss himself expressed his pride at achieving the survival target alongside the fans and the city. The Leipzig-born midfielder has previously represented Nurnberg, Schalke, Mainz, Bochum and Luton Town across a well-travelled career, and will now look to establish himself as a key figure at Koln for the long term after signing what is a significant commitment to the Bundesliga club.
Undisclosed issue ends season
Krauss (undisclosed) will not feature again this season after being ruled out of Saturday's clash against Bayern Munich due to injury, according to coach Rene Wagner. "Krauss will not be in the squad this weekend due to injury."
Analysis: Krauss had started each of Koln's last two matches before the issue emerged, making his season-ending absence a significant blow for his side. The midfielder finished the campaign with two assists across 26 Bundesliga appearances, having been a consistent presence in the engine room throughout the season. Isak Johannesson is expected to step into the starting role in midfield for the final match of the season, which carries little at stake as they have already secured their Bundesliga status.
Sets up equalizer
Krauss assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 defeat against FC Heidenheim.
Analysis: Krauss set up Marius Bulter's equalizer in the 10th minute. Krauss recorded 39 passes, won six duels, and also made two tackles and a clearance. This was his first goal contribution since January, and he has contributed to only two goals this campaign.
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