After much debate surrounding the future of two key players at the club, FC Köln have resolved the situation. Timo Horn and Matthias Lehmann have signed new deals until 2019 and 2016, respectively.

Timo Horn: “For me, as a born and raised kid in Cologne, it has always been a dream to play with FC in the Bundesliga."

Prior to the final game of 2014, the Billy Goats have provided their fans with the best early Christmas present they could have hoped for. Horn was a reported target of Liverpool and other Premier League clubs, but this should keep the circling sharks at bay. As for Lehmann, it's a fully deserved extension; he played a key role in their promotion back to the Bundesliga and in the solid start to this season.

Jörg Schmadtke, General Manager at FC, was pleased that Lehmann had signed on again, “Matthias Lehmann has shown with his behavior, quality, and experience his value for the club and that he is a very important leader for this young team. This is why we are particularly happy to know that he will be with us for at least another season.”

He was equally happy with Horn committing his future and lauding praise on the young goalkeeper, “Timo is one of the biggest German goalkeeping talents that has yet to reach his full potential. He came through the ranks of our youth system and is a prime example of the path we want to take in terms of developing young talents and bringing them into the first team." Schamdtke said, "The fact that he has decided to remain in Cologne for the foreseeable future is a strong indication that we are headed in the right path."

Coach Peter Stöger knew the importance of two key players signing on, “I am happy to know that I can continue to work with Timo and Matze. They are both important players, and we understand the quality we have in them. But also for the players, it is the right decision to remain with FC.”

Horn has been at the club since a child and his risen through the ranks with both Köln and country, “For me, as a born and raised kid in Cologne, it has always been a dream to play with FC in the Bundesliga. Therefore it was a foregone conclusion that I wanted to remain here." He commented, sighting that he wants to continue to grow, "This is where I was developed and became a professional, and this is where I want to further develop myself with the team. I am particularly happy to get these matters sorted before Christmas and now we can once again focus on the task at hand, which is to remain in the Bundesliga.”

Lehmann, who transferred to Köln at the beginning of the 2012/13 season, had this to say, “I believe I have settled into this club, this team, and this city very well. I have previously played for a Traditionsverein (traditional club) before, but FC is really something else. This is why I am also very proud to be able to represent and play for FC in the near future.”

Quotes via FC Köln.