Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has revealed that his move to Bundesliga side FC Köln was already in motion before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite widespread belief that his performances at the tournament earned him the transfer.

The 28-year-old, who recently joined the German club after leaving French side AJ Auxerre, said negotiations began well before the Black Stars travelled to North America, although they intensified during the competition.

“Most people really thought that it was the World Cup performance that got me this deal. But there’s always a saying that when you’re outside the forest, everything looks together. When you get in, then you see that every tree is on its own," he told Flashscore.

“The conversation with Koln started way before the World Cup. The conversation got more concrete during the World Cup, but the conversation started way before the World Cup.

“Everything was done after the England game in America.”

While insisting the transfer was already progressing, Mensah acknowledged that his displays at the World Cup strengthened his standing with his new club.

The left-back started all four of Ghana's matches as the Black Stars defeated Panama, drew with England, lost narrowly to Croatia and exited the tournament after a Round of 32 defeat by Colombia.

Having made just one appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Mensah said the 2026 edition represented a significant turning point in his international career.

“I think in the World Cup I impressed Köln a lot. I impressed myself as well.

"It was my second time playing the World Cup. The first time was as a young boy going in there for the experience. I was hoping to learn a lot. This World Cup, I went there as a senior player with some responsibility.

Mensah said embracing a leadership role within the Black Stars squad made the tournament particularly memorable.

“This one came with a lot of responsibilities and leadership, something that I enjoyed very well because I came into the national team as a young boy and then ended up reaching the highest stage of football and playing a key part."

“I feel good about my presence in the team, for the whole country and also for myself. The 2026 World Cup was one of the best tournaments I’ve had for Ghana."

He added that guiding younger teammates had become one of his priorities.

“I had young players playing alongside me, so now it’s like I have this opportunity to be a big influence, a good leader for these ones that are playing alongside me. I’m supposed to show them that this is how we’re supposed to play."

The defender believes the responsibility entrusted to him was reflected in his performances throughout the tournament.

“I think my performance and then the energy that I had in the World Cup this year was more about the authority and responsibility given to me.”

Mensah has already begun life in Germany, making his Bundesliga debut as Köln opened their league campaign with a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday.