Eintracht Frankfurt is said to be hot for the Cologne star – squad construction site is imminent

Bundesliga

The dark side of success at Eintracht Frankfurt is one that other up-and-coming clubs are well aware of: Rich clubs buy away the best players year after year.

In the past, the SBU has at least cashed in properly: in 2019, the departure of Luka Jović flushed 63 million euros into the coffers. Sébastien Haller brought in €50 million that same summer. And in 2021 André Silva left the club for at least 23 million euros.

Many players are also in great demand in the current Frankfurt squad. Not only the offensive artists Jesper Lindström and Randal Kolo Muani are repeatedly associated with departures. Even in central midfield, the SBU is threatened with a bloodletting.

Departures of Kamada and Sow are indicated

Daichi Kamada’s contract expires at the end of the season and there is currently no prospect of an extension. In addition, captain Sebastian Rode will also retire at the end of the coming season – that is, when the contract of midfield partner Djibril Sow ends.

Daichi Kamada (middle) and Djibril Sow (right) could leave Eintracht after the season.Image: IMAGO/Jan Huebner

All three players mentioned have been top performers in recent years. Closing these gaps should be a big challenge for sports director Markus Krösche. As a first measure for the squad construction site in central midfield, Frankfurt is said to have picked a player from league rivals 1. FC Köln.

We’re talking about Cologne’s number 28, Ellyes Skhiri. The Tunisian, who also shone with strong performances at the World Cup in Qatar, is by far Cologne’s most valuable player. The market value of the 27-year-old is estimated at 13 million euros. His contract in the cathedral city expires at the end of the season and that is said to have brought Eintracht on the scene.

Skhiri is said to have submitted a change request

According to “picture” Frankfurt is interested in Skhiri signing. With his running strength and pass security, he would be the perfect successor for Sow, who may be willing to leave. The Cologne native is also a seasoned Bundesliga professional and would have good prospects of playing regularly internationally with Eintracht.

Skhiri is said to have already made it clear to those responsible in Cologne that he will not be extended and wants to switch to a top club in the summer. Eintracht is now one of those – so unusual that it may sound in the ears of many fans.

However, the SGE should also have some competitors. Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Lyon are currently the favorites in the race for the free transfer Cologne player.