​Sky Italia reports that 1. FC Köln is showing strong interest in the 18-year-old Italian talent Jamal Iddrissou. The development has sparked chatter across European football circles about a potential move for the young forward who has begun to attract attention beyond Italy. An initial inquiry was made to Inter Milan regarding a loan deal with an option to buy priced at around €7–8 million. However, Inter Milan reportedly rejected this initial offer, signaling that they are not eager to part with the player on a temporary basis without additional safeguards.
The central reason behind Inter’s decision, according to the coverage, is their desire to maintain access to Iddrissou and to keep the options open for the upcoming stages of his career. The club’s stance emphasizes the importance of retaining a pathway to the player, particularly given his physical attributes, right-footed shooting ability, and potential to contribute at higher levels in the near future. Rather than a straightforward loan, Inter is pushing for a buy-back provision that would allow them to reclaim the player under certain terms in the future, a structure that offers them flexibility if Iddrissou continues to develop as anticipated.
Specifically, the report mentions two buy-back scenarios linked to the forward’s transfer. One option would set the buy-back price at €15 million with a potential return to Inter in 2027. An alternative path could set the buy-back price at €18 million for 2028, effectively giving Inter two potential windows to reacquire the player depending on how his development unfolds over time. This kind of buy-back mechanism is often used by parent clubs to preserve access to a promising young talent while allowing the purchasing club to benefit from the player’s progress in the meantime.
As talks continue, it remains to be seen whether 1. FC Köln would be willing to accept such a transfer structure. Köln’s interest in Iddrissou is part of a broader trend in Bundesliga circles to acquire young Italian forward prospects who possess a combination of pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts. The Bundesliga has a track record of nurturing young forwards, and Köln reportedly views Iddrissou as a player who could fit their strategic plan and contribute to the squad’s attacking options in the near term.
Iddrissou’s development path has already included notable performances for AC Milan’s youth teams, where he demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net and to influence games through his movement, balance, and finishing skills. His scoring record at youth level has helped him establish a reputation as one of Italy’s promising young attackers. Having progressed through the ranks at Milan, Iddrissou now seeks to take the next step in his professional journey and transition to senior football, ideally at a club that can provide regular playing time and a clear development trajectory.
Beyond Köln, the report notes interest from other clubs who have been following Iddrissou’s progress. VfL Wolfsburg, which recently suffered relegation from the Bundesliga, is reportedly among the teams that have kept an eye on the youngster’s situation. English club Brentford has also been mentioned as a potential suitor, reflecting the growing appeal of Iddrissou across European leagues. For a young player, attention from clubs in different leagues can offer diverse pathways for growth, including varying styles of play, coaching methodologies, and competitive environments.
Looking ahead, Iddrissou’s agency and development team will likely prioritize opportunities that maximize his chances of regular first-team exposure and long-term career growth. The decision on a potential move will hinge on a balance between securing meaningful minutes, ensuring continued progress, and aligning with the player’s professional goals and personal development. For Inter Milan, the priority appears to be maintaining leverage over the player’s future while awaiting the most advantageous combination of financial terms and sporting guarantees that would enable both the club and the player to achieve their respective objectives.
In summary, the situation surrounding Jamal Iddrissou involves a mix of strong interest from multiple clubs, strategic maneuvering over loan versus buy-back provisions, and ongoing discussions about the most favorable path for a young Italian forward who has shown promise in Milan’s youth system. As negotiations unfold, observers will be watching closely to see whether 1. FC Köln can secure a deal that satisfies all parties, or whether Inter Milan will prevail in retaining a future asset through a buy-back arrangement. The coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping the early stages of Iddrissou’s professional career and its trajectory across European football.