FC Köln move was agreed before World Cup - Gideon Mensah
Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has revealed that his move to Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln was already agreed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite widespread belief that his performances in the tournament secured the transfer.
The 28-year-old joined the German club after leaving French side AJ Auxerre, ending a four-year spell in Ligue 1.
Speaking to Flashscore, Mensah said discussions with Köln had begun long before Ghana travelled to North America for the World Cup, although negotiations became more concrete during the tournament.
"Most people really thought that it was the World Cup performance that got me this deal," he said.
"The conversation with Köln started way before the World Cup. The conversation got more concrete during the World Cup, but the conversation started way before the World Cup.
"Everything was done after the England game in America."
While insisting the transfer was already progressing, Mensah admitted his displays on football's biggest stage reinforced the club's confidence in signing him.
The left-back started all four of Ghana's matches as the Black Stars beat Panama, drew with England, lost narrowly to Croatia and were knocked out by Colombia in the Round of 32.
After making just one appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Mensah described the 2026 tournament as a defining moment in his international career.
"I think in the World Cup I impressed Köln a lot. I impressed myself as well," he said.
"The first time was as a young boy going in there for the experience. This World Cup, I went there as a senior player with some responsibility."
Mensah said stepping into a leadership role made the tournament particularly meaningful, having progressed from one of the squad's younger players to an experienced figure within the national team.
"This one came with a lot of responsibilities and leadership, something that I enjoyed very well," he said.
"I feel good about my presence in the team, for the whole country and also for myself. The 2026 World Cup was one of the best tournaments I've had for Ghana."
The defender added that helping guide younger teammates has become one of his priorities.
"I had young players playing alongside me, so now it's like I have this opportunity to be a big influence, a good leader for these ones that are playing alongside me," he said.
"I'm supposed to show them that this is how we're supposed to play."
Mensah believes the responsibility entrusted to him was reflected in his performances throughout the competition.
He has already begun life in Germany, making his Bundesliga debut as Köln opened their league campaign with a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim at the RheinEnergieStadion.
Mensah is expected to feature again when Köln travel to face VfB Stuttgart next weekend.