1. FC Köln have loaned out Nikola Soldo for the 2023-24 season. The 22-year-old, who has a contract with FC until 2025, will join 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 2. Bundesliga on loan.

FC Managing Director, Christian Keller said: “Nikola made a very positive development in his first season at FC. We want this to continue and help him on his way. For that, he requires as much game time as possible, which is not possible given the current constellation in our centre-back position. Therefore, we decided together with Nikola for a loan to 1. FC Kaiserslautern. We wish him all the best for his time in Kaiserslautern and will follow him closely.”

Nikola Soldo said: “After pre-season, it was clear that I wouldn’t get the game time that I need to develop as a young player in order to make the next step in professional football. At FCK, I will give my all and work hard to play and support the club and their goal of establishing themselves in the 2. Bundesliga.”

Nikola Soldo arrived from NK Lokomotiva Zagreb last summer. At the Croatian club, Soldo made 31 appearances in the 2021-22 season, scoring twice and setting up another goal. He was one of the key figures in the side and, up until his move to FC in August, featured a further six times. The Croatian under-21 international featured seven times in the Bundesliga under FC head coach Steffen Baumgart and four times in the UEFA Europa Conference League.