Sydney FC’s Socceroos midfielder Paul Okon Jnr has completed a multi-million dollar transfer to German Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable breakthrough season in Sky Blue.
The 21-year old Australian World Cup star moves to Germany in one of the Club’s most significant outgoing transfers in recent years.
It caps an extraordinary rise in less than 12 months after making his professional debut for Sydney FC in the Australia Cup, before going on to establish himself as one of the A-League’s brightest young talents.
His rapid development also saw him represent Australia at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile and then making his senior Socceroos debut against Venezuela in Houston in November.
Okon Jr helped the Sky Blues to the A-League Grand Final and claimed Sydney FC’s Player of the Year award, as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Season.
His performances earned him selection in Australia’s FIFA World Cup squad where he played a pivotal role providing the assist for the opening goal against Turkiye and helping the Socceroos reach the knockout stages.
He said he would always be grateful to Sydney FC for the role they had played in his rapid rise.
“Sydney FC has been incredible for my development over the past year and I can’t thank everyone enough for the belief they’ve shown in me.
“The coaches, my teammates and all of the staff have helped me grow so much as both a player and a person. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to begin my professional career.
“It’s always been a dream to play in one of the top five leagues in the world and I’m really excited for this next challenge. I’ll always look back fondly on my time in Sky Blue and wish everyone at the Club every success.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo praised the midfielder’s remarkable first professional season.
“Paul has produced an exceptional first season in professional football and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
“He has developed a mentality and a behaviour to wanting to get better and improve everyday which shows in the games he has played for club and country.
“We’d like to thank Paul for everything he has given Sydney FC, congratulate him on this move and wish him every success at 1. FC Köln.”
Okon played 30 times in Sydney FC colours.
