Link: https://chicagostars.com/first-team/chicago-stars-transfers-kathrin-hendrich-fc-koln/

Chicago Stars FC today announced that the club has transferred defender Kathrin Hendrich to FC Köln, allowing her to return to Europe and continue her career closer to home.

Absent any information about the financials, it's hard to see this as anything other than a German woman coming to the US, taking one look around and being fully "nope, I'm out" and going back home

Hendrich signed with Chicago on June 11, 2025 after playing five seasons with Wolfsburg in the Frauen Bundesliga. The German international made her NWSL debut in Chicago on August 1, 2025 against Gotham FC. Through the remainder of the 2025 season, Hendrich started in 12 of 13 games played. During the 2026 season, Hendrich started in eight out of 10 matches played and has worn the captain’s armband in four matches for Chicago.