Estonia midfielder Patrik Kristal has joined Swiss champions FC Thun from 1. FC Köln on an initial one-year loan, with the Swiss club holding an option to make the move permanent.
Kristal, who turns 19 in November, joined Köln at the beginning of 2025 and initially played for the club’s reserve side in the German fourth tier. He was part of the first-team squad during pre-season and featured in friendlies, but faced strong competition for a place in the senior team.
Last season, the 18-year-old midfielder made 28 appearances for Köln’s reserve side in the Regionalliga, providing two assists.
At Thun, Kristal will link up with fellow Estonia international Mattias Käit, who is beginning his second season with the club. Thun have made an uneven start to the new campaign, winning two and losing two of their opening four matches, including a 0-6 defeat to Young Boys. They most recently beat St. Gallen 4-3. Thun will also participate in the UEFA Conference League league phase.
Before moving to Germany, Kristal played for Levadia and Paide. While at Levadia, he set the Estonian record for the youngest player to make an appearance in the top flight, a record he still holds.
Source: https://www.fcthun.ch/de/news/2026/leihe-patrik-kristal
