GKS Katowice has made one of the most important transfer moves in its recent history. Mateusz Kowalczyk, a 21-year-old midfielder who has been shining in the colours of "GieKSa" since the beginning of the 2024/25 season on loan from Danish Brøndby IF, has been officially bought by the Silesian club. The contract with the young talent is valid until 2028, which confirms the ambitions of the Katowice team to build a strong team for the future.
Mateusz Kowalczyk joined GKS Katowice in the summer of 2024 on a one-year loan from Brøndby IF, after failing to break into the Danish club's first team. In Katowice, the 21-year-old quickly became a key figure in the team led by coach Rafał Górak. His dynamic play, aggressiveness in receiving the ball and ability to create offensive actions made him one of the leaders of the PKO Ekstraklasa newcomer. In the 2024/25 season, Kowalczyk played 31 matches, scored three goals and recorded five assists, which attracted the attention of both fans and the coach of the Polish national team, Michał Probierz.
As reported by the media, the loan agreement included a buyout clause of around one million euros – an amount that is a transfer record for GKS Katowice. Although the club from Katowice does not usually spend such sums on reinforcements, in the case of Kowalczyk they decided to make an exception. From the beginning, sporting director Dawid Dubas and coach Rafał Górak saw great potential in the young midfielder, which could bring both sporting and financial benefits in the future.
The signing of a contract until 2028 is a clear signal that GKS Katowice has long-term plans for Kowalczyk. The club sees him not only as a pillar of the current team, but also as a player who can be sold to stronger leagues at a profit in the future. Raków Częstochowa, among others, have already expressed interest in the 21-year-old, which shows that his talent does not go unnoticed.
Kowalczyk, described as a "ball thief" and compared to a bull terrier for his feisty nature on the pitch, has a chance to become a symbol of the revived GKS. His mobility, pressing and maturity in the game, despite his young age, make him one of the most promising midfielders in the Ekstraklasa.
From the club's perspective, the decision to buy Kowalczyk is not only an investment in sporting quality, but also in image and the future. GKS Katowice, after returning to the Ekstraklasa, shows that it wants to be more than just a newcomer fighting to stay in the league. Under the leadership of Rafał Górak and with players like Kowalczyk, "GieKSa" has a chance to permanently establish itself in the elite of Polish football.
The acquisition of Mateusz Kowalczyk is a breakthrough moment for GKS Katowice. The club not only secured the services of one of the most talented young players in Poland, but also sent a signal that it has ambitions to reach for more. With a contract until 2028, Kowalczyk has time to continue developing under the watchful eye of Rafał Górak and become the leader of a team that dreams of returning to its glory days. For the fans of "GieKSy" it is a reason for pride and hope for a better tomorrow.