Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Paul Okon-Engstler FC Köln reports have placed the young Socceroos midfielder close to a move from Sydney FC to Germany after his strong FIFA World Cup campaign with Australia.

The 21-year-old is reportedly set to join FC Köln for a transfer fee of 1 million euros, around $1.64 million, with a medical and signing expected next week.

The move comes after Australia’s tournament exit sparked wider focus on the next wave of Socceroos talent, including Morocco’s defensive stand against France in another World Cup knockout storyline.

Sydney FC Midfielder Set For Germany

European football journalists Fabrizio Romano and Florian Plettenberg have both reported the planned transfer.

Okon-Engstler joined Sydney FC on a three-year deal in July last year and has now become one of the first young Australians from the latest World Cup squad to attract a move into a bigger European league.

Born in Belgium, Okon-Engstler moved to Australia in 2006 when his father, former Socceroos international and current assistant coach Paul Okon, signed for Newcastle Jets.

Official club information is available through Sydney FC and FC Köln.

Socceroos Youth Draws European Interest

Okon-Engstler is not the only Australian player drawing overseas attention after the World Cup.

Sydney FC teammate Lucas Herrington, currently with Colorado Rapids in the United States, is weighing offers from top European leagues.

The 18-year-old defender has reportedly drawn interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Colorado Rapids are believed to have rejected an opening Barcelona bid of around $8 million, with his value estimated at about $25 million.

Nestory Irankunda is also being watched closely after his stunning goal in Australia’s World Cup opener.

Watford have reportedly rejected a $16 million bid from Hull City, while the 20-year-old’s value is thought to be around double that figure.