Eric Martel - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Nets one in draw Martel scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw against FC Heidenheim. In addition, he was give...

Impact Martel fired a season-high three shots and made sure that his first shot on target of the season counted, as he headed home his squad's first goal of the match in the 18th minute of play. This also marked the third time this season that he set up at least two chances created in a match, and the 13th time in 16 appearances that he tallied at least 30 completed passes.

JANUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Dishes assist in win Martel assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Friday's 1-0 victory against Hoffenheim.

Impact Martel logged his second assist of the campaign, both of which have come within the last three outings. This also marked his fourth chance created in six appearances on the year. Additionally, he stood out defensively by nabbing multiple interceptions for a fourth time, and earning his sixth tackle won.

OCTOBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Assists before substitution Martel had an assist with his lone chance created while taking an off target shot, blocking two shots and making three interceptions during Saturday's match against RB Leipzig.

Impact Martel set up Jan Thielmann in the 23rd minute while leading Koln in blocks and interceptions as of his substitution in the 59th minute. The assist was the first goal involvement this season for Martel as he had played every minute of every match prior to Saturday's contest.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Appears in friendly Martel (back) started and appeared in a friendly against Leicester City.

Impact Martel is earning a return to action after battling a back issue this week, with the midfielder finding his way back on the field for a friendly. This is good news for the club as he can now be considered fit for the start of the season, gaining back a regular starter ahead of the campaign.

JULY 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Training individually Martel is following individual training on Tuesday after suffering back problems on Sunday, the club announced.

Impact Martel suffered from back problems on Sunday and returned to the pitch on Tuesday for individual training. That said, it is not the only update for the young defender since he has only one year left on his contract and his future remains a bit uncertain for the time being. Reports say Italian side Fiorentina are keen on signing him, while FC Koln Sporting Director Thomas Kessler said recently that he will discuss with Martel during the training camp about his future.

JULY 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cologne returns to the Bundesliga as second division champion

Cologne has clinched its return to the Bundesliga as second division champion with a 4-0 rout of Kaiserslautern on the final day of the season

MAY 18, 2025 • Associated Press

Major minutes conitnue Martel has played every minutes of every match except for two this season.

Impact Martel has been asked to take over as the first choice defensive midfielder and he has done so with aplomb. Martel has faced big minutes and been brilliant in holding midfield alongside a variety of partners. Still it's hard to see much upside going forward for Martel especially after a tough start for the team.

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Leverkusen Martel is fit and in the starting XI to face Leverkusen on Sunday.

Impact Martel returns from an Achilles injury which has kept him out of Koln's last three matches. The midfielder had started three times prior to the injury and recovers his role in the starting XI now that he's fully fit.

OCTOBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Participates in full training Martel (Achilles) returned to full training Friday, according to manager Steffen Baumgart. "Eric Martel have trained fully and things are looking good".

Impact It could be a long shot for Martel to be ready to play Sunday, but he has trained fully with the team and could be a late call against Bayer Leverkusen. He's missed the last three matches with an Achilles injury after starting the first three games from the defensive midfield. Denis Huseinbasic is still expected to start for the time being until Martel returns to full match form.

OCTOBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limited training participant Martel (Achilles) completed portions of first-team training ahead of Sunday's clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Impact Martel continues to work his way back toward a return versus Monchengladbach after the upcoming international break. Given his extended absence, the midfielder shouldn't be expected to immediately jump into the starting XI. Still, Martel featured in 26 of his last 32 Bundesliga appearances for the club and should be in contention once given the all-clear.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to play Saturday Martel (Achilles) is expected to be an option for Saturday's match versus Stuttgart. "Eric was treated in Augsburg. We gave him the opportunity to clear his head. Now he's coming b...

Impact Martel was forced to sit out the last two matches with an Achilles injury. It is unclear if he would be ready to start the match, with Denis Huseinbasic the favorite for the spot in the lineup against Stuttgart in the defensive midfield alongside Dejan Ljubicic.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Trains individually Martel (Achilles) is inching towards a return after training individually ahead of Saturday's match against Stuttgart.

Impact Martel is getting closer to a return after being deemed fit enough to train individually on Tuesday. The midfielder missed the last match due to an apparent Achilles injury and will be in risk of missing another if he isn't fit by Saturday. If he cannot go against Stuttgart, then expect Dejan Ljubicic or Florian Kainz to fill in his starting spot.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Martel (Achilles) is out for Saturday's clash with Hoffenheim, according to manager Steffen Baumgart.

Impact Martel is out against Hoffenheim and potentially longer after picking up an Achilles tendon issue. With Mathias Olesen also ruled out this is a major issue in defensive midfield with Dejan Ljubicic the only option there. It remains to be seen if Koln will opt into a new formation or try and shift someone like Florian Kainz into a deeper-lying role.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Eight tackles against Munich Martel generated one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Bayern Munich.

Impact Martel made eight tackles and five interceptions in another stellar showing during Saturday's loss. The defensive midfielder has been a brilliant replacement for Salih Ozcan in the starting XI and has done very well to partner Ellyes Skhiri. Martel was handed a major role and handled it admirably, totaling 66 tackles and 33 interceptions while scoring and assisting.

MAY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

First assist in win Martel assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 5-2 victory versus Hertha Berlin. In addition, he was given...

Impact Martel found his first Bundesliga assist during Friday's one-sided rout. The defensive midfielder has taken over a major role following the departure of Salih Ozcan to Dortmund, and has done well in that role. Martel is unlikely to ever be a major offensive producer, but he has done well to earn two goal contributions in 27 appearances, while adding major defensive volume.

MAY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Can return from suspension Martel will be eligible to feature in Friday's clash against Hertha Berlin after serving a one-game suspension.

Impact Martel missed last week's win over Leverkusen while suspended for yellow card accumulation, but he will be available to return to the squad against Hertha on Friday. He started 10 of his side's 12 Bundesliga matches from February-April in defensive midfield.

MAY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Earns suspension Martel was shown a yellow card during Saturday's 1-0 loss to Freiburg and will serve a one-match ban.

Impact Martel picked up the yellow card, his fifth in 26 appearances, and is set for a match on the sideline. It's been an impressive breakout season for the defensive midfielder, who has taken a major role in the starting XI and managed to stay out of the referee's book more often than not. Martel will be eligible to return for a May 12 clash with Hertha.

MAY 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

First career goal Martel scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-1 win against FC Augsburg. In addition, he was given a...

Impact Martel got on the scoresheet with a goal for his first goal since joining the senior Koln team. The defensive midfielder isn't much of an offensive option at the best of times, but the goal is a huge step forward for the majorly impressive young star. Martel will remain a nailed-on starter moving forward.

APRIL 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Busy off bench Martel generated six tackles (five won) and two clearances in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich.

Impact Martel came off the bench for the second half and piled on the defensive volume. The talented youngster once again showed why he is so highly regarded, single-handedly shutting down some dangerous Bayern moves. Martel doesn't offer a whole lot going forward but his consistent defensive presence gives him some sort of stable floor.

JANUARY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting role earned Martel started the final six matches before the World Cup break.

Impact Martel made three starts in the opening six matches before returning to the bench. The final six matches have all been starts for Martel, who has seemingly started to realize his potential and break into the starting XI consistently.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Four tackles Sunday Martel had four tackles (one won) and three interceptions in Sunday's 1-1 draw against 1899 Hoffenheim.

Impact Martel has slowly built a consistent role in central midfield, alongside Ondrej Dude and Ellyes Skhiri. Originally a rotational option it appears Martel could carve out a more substantial role as he continues to find his way into the starting XI. That said Martel has limited offensive upside in central midfield, and a tenuous hold on a starting spot, at best.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with back problems Martel is considered a game time decision for Sunday's match against Eintracht Frankfurt, according to manager Steffen Baumgart.

Impact Martel started in the last match against RB Leipzig but only played for 62 minutes of the contest. If he can't start, Ondrej Duda could take his place in the lineup.

AUGUST 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Secures four-year deal Martel signed a four-year contract with FC Koln after securing a transfer from RB Leipzig on Friday.

Impact Despite coming up through the Leipzig youth system, Martel made just one appearance for the club in the DFB-Pokal back in 2020-21. Last season, the defender spent the year on loan with Austria Vienna for which he registered two goals and two assists in 30 league contests. While Martel may not immediately break into the starting XI for Koln, he should get plenty of opportunities and could be a starter by the second half of the campaign.

JUNE 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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Cologne returns to the Bundesliga as second division champion