Okon-Engstler spent the past year with A-League outfit Sydney FC and also excelled in helping Australia capture their first AFC U20 Asian Cup title in 2025.

The 21-year-old midfielder played in all four of Australia’s matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and laid on the opening goal for Nestory Irankuda in their win against Turkiye.

“We are really pleased that Paul has decided on a move to FC Koln,” the German club’s managing director Thomas Kessler said.

“He is a young player with a lot of potential, and someone who has developed really well in the past few years.”

In Saudi Arabia, 21-time champions Al Hilal snapped up one of the best young talents in the country with the signing of 18-year-old Sabri Dahal.

The teenage winger was a revelation for Al Fayha last season, playing 24 matches with three goals and four assists.

Dahal also played a major part in Saudi Arabia reaching the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025™ final before finishing runners-up to Uzbekistan.