U-17 World Champion von der Hitz leaves 1. FC Köln
1. FC Köln would have liked to keep Justin von der Hitz, but according to kicker information, they lost the race for the 18-year-old, who became U-17 World Champion in 2023.
Before the jump: wing talent Justin von der Hitz picture alliance / press photo Rudel
On Sunday, he and 1. FC Köln's U19 team will face Werder Bremen in the semifinals of the final round of the German U19 championship (kick-off 11 a.m.). However, attacking talent Justin von der Hitz has already made a far-reaching career decision. The 18-year-old, who joined Geißbockheim from Viktoria Köln's youth team in 2021, will leave FC on a free transfer at the end of his contract this summer, according to information from kicker.
Cologne had tried until the very last moment to convince the 18-year-old to stay. However, doubts apparently prevailed for the Bergisch Gladbach native: He has only made five senior appearances for FC's U21 team. However, von der Hitz played no role in the first team, aside from a brief appearance in a friendly against Verl ( 1:2 ) in mid-March.
Just one step away from the U-19 finalIn the U19 team, however, von der Hitz plays a central role under coach Stefan Ruthenbeck and recently scored in the A-Juniors finals semi-final against Hamburger SV ( 3:2 ).
Now the speedy winger, who won the World Cup with the German Under-17 team in Indonesia at the end of 2023, is leaving the Billy Goats to make the leap to the professional level elsewhere. There are plenty of interested parties for the talented high school graduate: Schalke 04, among others, were recently among the candidates for a move, and Bayer Leverkusen was also said to be interested.
Where von der Hitz will end up will be announced next week. At the same time, he could be in the final of the U-19 finals – and fight for the next title with Ruthenbeck's team against Bayer Leverkusen or FC Bayern.
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