Jakub Kamiński joins Benfica from Cologne
Cologne have confirmed the departure of Jakub Kamiński, with the Poland international winger making the move to Portuguese giants Benfica just months after he'd completed a permanent transfer from Wolfsburg.
While his stay in Cologne was relatively short, Kamiński quickly became a fan favourite following an impressive loan spell during the 2025/26 campaign.
Arriving from Wolfsburg last summer, the 24-year-old contributed seven goals and five assists as the Billy Goats secured a second consecutive season in the top flight after earning promotion as Bundesliga 2 champions the previous year.
However, just weeks after Cologne made his loan move from the relegated Wolves permanent, Kamiński has departed the Rhineland club for Benfica.
"I felt incredibly comfortable at FC, within the team and in the city of Cologne from day one," said Kamiński by way of a goodbye on the club's official website.
"The environment allowed me to fulfil my potential last season, and I'll always be grateful to FC for that. That's why this move isn't an easy one, but from a footballing perspective it gives me the opportunity to take the next step at a big club competing in Europe. It's a chance I'd really like to take."
Kamiński, who moved to Germany from Poland's Lech Poznań in July 2022, made 104 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg and Cologne, recording 11 goals and 13 assists.
"Jakub impressed across the board for us last season – both on the pitch and as a person," said Cologne managing director Thomas Kessler.
"We're proud to have provided an environment in which he was able to consistently show his full potential again. At the same time, performances of that calibre naturally attract interest, so we always knew there was a possibility that Jakub would leave.
"We thank him for his tireless commitment throughout last season and wish him all the very best, both in his career and in his personal life."
