Harambee Stars prospect draws closer to Bundesliga dream following FC Köln squad inclusion
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 21.07.26. | 09:57
Fellow winger Linton Maina, who is part of the club's senior squad, also qualifies to represent Harambee Stars through his Kenyan roots
Harambee Stars prospect Maik Nelson Afri Akumu has taken another significant step towards top-flight football after being included in Bundesliga side FC Köln's senior team's pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
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Although the 18-year-old is officially part of FC Köln II, the highly-rated attacker has been training with the club's first team throughout pre-season as he bids to earn opportunities in the Bundesliga.
His growing status within the club was further underlined after he featured in FC Köln's official pre-season Media Day at Geißbockheim on 17 July.
Akumu joined the Billy Goats from Hertha BSC in August 2025 after signing a long-term contract.
At Hertha, he progressed through every age group from the U9s.
Despite still being eligible for U17 football, he earned promotion to both the U19 and reserve teams.
Born in Berlin on 13 July, 2008, to a Kenyan father and an English mother, Akumu remains eligible to represent Harambee Stars despite previously featuring for Germany at U17 level.
Having not made a senior competitive appearance for Germany, the talented winger is still free to switch his international allegiance to Kenya.
Primarily a left winger, Akumu is equally comfortable operating on the right flank or as a centre-forward.
Renowned for his explosive pace, close control and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, he is regarded as one of Kenya's brightest overseas-based prospects.
Akumu has already begun making his mark during pre-season, featuring in FC Köln's opening friendly as René Wagner's side cruised to a 5-0 victory over academy partners FC Rheinsüd Köln.
He will now be hoping to impress sufficiently to force his way into the senior squad ahead of the club's return to the Bundesliga, with Köln opening their league campaign at home against Hoffenheim after their DFB-Pokal clash against Würzburger Kickers.
Akumu is not the only Kenya-eligible player at FC Köln.
Fellow winger Linton Maina, who is part of the club's senior squad, also qualifies to represent Harambee Stars through his Kenyan roots.
Maina has already been approached by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, who is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
However, it remains unclear whether the 27-year-old will commit his international future to Kenya.
