The 1. FC Köln has made a find in its search for a perspective player for the central defence. Bright Akwo Arrey-Mbi (18) from FC Bayern München comes to the Geißbockheim for 18 months.
A moderate loan fee – which was not disclosed – will be offset against appearances in the future, according to information. In plain language: The more playing time the captain of the German U 19 receives, the cheaper he becomes. A welcome agreement for young players who are to enjoy their education abroad. Bayern extended Arrey-Mbi’s contract, which expires in the summer, before the deal. This shows the esteem for the player.
Born in Kaarst in the Rhineland, Arrey-Mbi is left-footed and 1.87 metres tall, he last played in the record champions’ regional league team, making 17 starting eleven appearances. He missed a few games because he was pulled up to train with the professionals, whose squad he was in for the 1:2 against Mönchengladbach. Already as a 17-year-old, the defender, who can also be used on the left in the back four, made 15 appearances for Bayern II, then still in the 3. Liga. In December 2020, he made his Champions League debut when he was in the starting eleven in the 1-1 draw in Madrid against Atletico.
So the talent definitely has senior experience. At the age of 16, Bayern coach Hansi Flick nominated him for the winter training camp of the professionals, where he made a positive impression. National player Joshua Kimmich praised him at the time: “Bright is already a beast, he surprised me.” He is now expected to continue this development in Cologne.