Energie Cottbus have secured the services of highly-rated young centre-back King Manu, landing the 21-year-old on loan from Fortuna Düsseldorf for the remainder of the campaign. The imposing 1.95m defender will take up the number 2 shirt as he looks to strengthen Claus-Dieter Wollitz’s backline.
The Cottbus boss couldn’t hide his excitement over the signing, calling Manu a player the club has long admired.
“We had King Manu on our list last summer as well because he is a fascinating player whose style of play fits exactly with what we have in mind. It is all the more pleasing that we have now been able to agree on a signing. In addition to his physique, King also brings a lot of what is sought after in modern football and, despite his young age, has already shown leadership qualities,” Wollitz told the club media.
Squad planner Maniyel Nergiz also praised Düsseldorf’s role in completing the move.
“Above all, we would like to thank Fortuna Düsseldorf for the professional, extremely pleasant, and productive cooperation that made this loan deal possible,” he added.
#WIR leihen King Manu vom Zweitligisten Fortuna Düsseldorf für die laufende Saison aus. Herzlich willkommen in der Lausitz, King 👑! Zur Meldung 👉🏻https://t.co/244rR8cWHK #Neuzugang pic.twitter.com/A9RNQ2HzWN
— FC Energie Cottbus (@Nur_Energie) September 1, 2025
Born in Cologne, Manu honed his skills in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s academy before spells with SG Unterrath and Ratingen. His professional career took off with MSV Düsseldorf, leading to a breakthrough with Fortuna Düsseldorf’s first team, where he clocked five 2. Bundesliga appearances. Last term, he gained valuable experience on loan at FC Hansa Rostock, featuring 16 times in the third tier.
For Cottbus, his arrival signals an injection of height, composure, and leadership at the heart of their defence, a much-needed boost as they push forward in the league.
