Cologne signs son of England legend

1. FC Köln is causing a stir with a special signing.

The Bundesliga club announces the signing of Reigan Heskey.

The 18-year-old attacking player moves from Manchester City's U21 team to the Rhine and signs a long-term contract until 2031. The transfer fee for the winger is reportedly around two million euros.

Son of England Legend

The name Heskey should be familiar to many football fans. Reigan's father Emile Heskey is considered one of the greatest English strikers of his generation. The now 48-year-old played over 500 Premier League games, scored more than 100 goals, and made 62 appearances for the English national team.

With the "Three Lions," he participated in the World Cups in 2002 and 2010, as well as the European Championships in 2000 and 2004, among others.

Major Talent from Manchester City

Unlike his father, however, Reigan Heskey is not at home in the center forward position. The 18-year-old primarily plays on the wings and is considered one of the most interesting attacking talents of his age group.

Heskey spent the last ten years in Manchester City's academy and made his debut for the senior team last season under Pep Guardiola. He featured against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup.

The Englishman also made a name for himself on the international stage. At the U17 World Cup in November 2025, Heskey scored four goals in five games and set up three more. In the round of 16, however, England was eliminated by the sensational ÖFB team (0:4), which later became vice-world champions.

"One of the best attacking players of his age group"

Cologne managing director Thomas Kessler is convinced by the qualities of the new signing: "With his qualities, Reigan is internationally one of the best attacking players of his age group."

Heskey himself is looking forward to the new challenge: "I really wanted to come to 1. FC Köln to take the next step in my career. I am ready."