Ellyes Skhiri re-joins Cologne from Eintracht Frankfurt
Ellyes Skhiri has re-joined Cologne on a two-year deal, three years after the Tunisia international midfielder left for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ellyes Skhiri, 31, previously made 133 competitive appearances for the Billy Goats across a four-year spell between 2019 and 2023, during which he scored in the 2021 relegation play-off to keep the club up before competing in the 2022/23 UEFA Conference League.
“We’ve known Ellyes very well for many years. In building our squad, it was important for us to not just bring in sporting quality but also experience and leadership. Ellyes perfectly fits the profile we were looking for,” said Cologne managing director Thomas Kessler of the deal.
During three years at Eintracht, Skhiri made 117 appearances, including in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. The France-born defensive midfielder has 86 caps for Tunisia and competed at his third FIFA World Cup this summer, captaining the African nation as of 2026.
“I’m glad to be back. I never lost sight of Effzeh and was always in touch with some people. I’m motivated to be successful here again with everyone and will give my all for Effzeh and the fans,” added Skhiri, who will wear the No.6 shirt on his return to the RheinEnergieStadion.
Watch: Skhiri's Bundesliga goals from his first Cologne spell
He joined training with his new teammates on Friday and could make his second Cologne debut in Monday’s DFB Cup first-round tie away at Würzburger Kickers. The Billy Goats begin their Bundesliga campaign at home to Hoffenheim the following Saturday.
