‘I want to score goals’: Nigerian star Dennis joins Cologne from Brugge

SUPER Eagles forward Emmanuel Dennis has left Belgium for Germany on a loan deal.

The winger recently had disciplinary issues at Club Brugge and has joined Bundesliga club Cologne on a short-term loan.

“FC Köln have loaned Emmanuel Dennis from Club Brugge until the end of the season,” the German club announced on Monday night.

“FC Köln have strengthened their attack. Emmanuel Dennis has joined on loan until summer from Belgian champions, Club Brugge.”

Cologne Managing Director Horst Heldt was delighted to welcome the Nigerian, citing his pace and versatility as qualities that attracted the club to him.

“Emmanuel is a quick player, who can play through the middle as a striker as well as on the wings,” Heldt said.

“His finishing ability last season saw him gain the interest of many top clubs.”

Dennis, who has three Super Eagles caps, played an important role in Club Brugge’s Belgian Pro League triumph last season, contributing five goals and one assist in the campaign.

He also added four goals and one assist in the Champions League qualification, Champions League group stage and the Europa League. 

Dennis, 23, has already scored in the Champions League this season but he has made just nine domestic league appearances. 

His last appearance for Club Brugge was on December and he is eager to get back on the pitch.

“The last six months were not easy for me,” Dennis said. “I want to play and score goals, and therefore I wanted to make a move in the current transfer window. I am pleased that I’m now at FC. I know what the sporting situation at FC is – therefore I want to play my part in keeping us in the league, by playing and scoring in a top league.”

Dennis, who has played 116 times and scored 29 goals (13 assists) for Club Brugge,  is expected to wear No.43 jersey at Cologne and join them in training on Wednesday.

Cologne are 16th in the 18-team Bundesliga with 15 points from 18 matches, two points off the teams in 14rh and 15th.

The club that finishes 16th goes into a relegation play-off while the bottom two are automatically relegated.