Harambee Stars Prospect Joins Fellow Kenyan Star Linton Maina at Bundesliga Side

Kenyan wunderkind Maik Afri Akumu has taken a major step in his career, signing a long-term deal with Bundesliga outfit FC Köln from Hertha Berlin.

 The 17-year-old attacker, eligible to play for Kenya’s Harambee Stars, completed the switch on Wednesday, August 13.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

“Warm welcome to Cologne, Maik,” the club announced on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

 Hertha Berlin also confirmed the departure, noting that Akumu’s advisor is none other than former Ghana and Hertha star Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Standing at 184cm, Akumu primarily operates as a left winger but can also feature on the right flank or as a centre forward. 

Born in Berlin in 2008 to a Kenyan father and English mother, he holds dual German and Polish citizenship.

The teenage prospect rose through Hertha’s youth ranks, featuring for their U17, U19, and U21 sides. He has also represented Germany at U17 level, scoring a dramatic 86th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Portugal on January 11.

Akumu’s move means he will join another Kenyan talent at Köln — winger Linton Maina, who helped the club secure Bundesliga promotion last season.

If the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) can convince Akumu to represent his father’s country, he could become a key addition to the national squad’s attacking options.