Official: Köln unveil Selke
Davie Selke's transfer to Köln was officially confirmed on Monday afternoon.
A not-so-closely-guarded secret was made official on Monday afternoon. Former SV Werder Bremen, RB Leipzig, and Hertha BSC striker Davie Selke will get a fresh start in Germany's cathedral city. The 27-year-old signed a contract with 1. FC Köln good through 2024.
The former German youth international joins die Geißböcke on a free-transfer after his current contract with the capital city's Charlottenburg side was dissolved. Earlier reports on the transaction suggested that Selke will waive at least half of his previous salary.
"We have always spoken openly with Davie about his situation and his contract with us," Hertha sporting CEO Fredi Bobic noted in a tatyement, "He had the option of a move within the Bundesliga ahead of schedule, and we have complied with this request. Davie has behaved impeccably at all times and has always given everything for Hertha BSC."
"As a classic nine, he has his qualities in the box and yet also works immensely hard against the ball," Köln sporting director Christian Keller said of his new player, "With his physical presence, strong aerial game and quality finishing, he will help our team if we use him accordingly. We are also convinced that he can also give our team important motivation on and off the pitch with his experience."
"What has transpired at over the course of the past year-and-a half could naturally be observed from afar, "I think that my style-of-play will fit in well with Steffen Baumgart's game. I want to show that here, work hard and, as a striker, preferably make my contribution scoring goals in aid of our success."
Selke's goal-production numbers in recent years have taken a hefty dip, as has his estimated market worth. The former Germany U21 star hopes to achieve a career turnaround not unlike that of Anthony Modeste in Steffen Baumgart's aggressive attacking scheme last year. The Effzeh trainer has already given clear indications that he hopes to use Selke as a starter.