Köln sells Kaminski to Benfica for reported €20 million release clause

Jakub Kaminski is leaving 1. FC Köln after just one season to join Portuguese record champions Benfica Lisbon. The Polish international signed a contract with the 38-time Portuguese champions that will keep him at the club until 2031.

Kaminski expressed that the move was difficult but offered him the chance to take the next step in his career at a major club with international ambitions. Last season, the 24-year-old winger scored seven goals and contributed five assists in the Bundesliga for Köln. The transfer reportedly brings significant revenue to Köln, who had only exercised their option to buy Kaminski from VfL Wolfsburg at the beginning of June. They had initially paid around €5.5 million for him and included a release clause of approximately €20 million, which has now been activated.

FC Managing Director Thomas Kessler stated that Kaminski had convinced them both athletically and personally last season. "We are proud that we could offer him an environment where he could consistently achieve his potential," Kessler said. He acknowledged that such strong performances naturally attract interest from other clubs, and Köln had anticipated a potential departure. Kaminski's move to Benfica represents a significant step in his career, offering him a platform in European club competitions.