Eintracht Frankfurt wants to compete for European places again next season. Although they finished sixth last year and qualified directly for the Europa League, the Hessians could not be satisfied with the season that just ended. The Hessians showed major weaknesses in the second half of the season in particular and defended sixth place mainly because the competition behind Eintracht also lacked consistency.
A number of transfers were made in the summer. With Can Uzun, sporting director Markus Krösche secured what is probably the biggest jewel in the second division early on, and two other talents, Krisztian Lisztes and Oscar Höjlund, were also brought on board. Aurele Amenda, Rasmus Kristensen and Igor Matanovic, who has returned from a loan, also look promising at first glance.
However, the departure of Willian Pacho to PSG shortly before the start of the season has left a gap in the defense that needs to be filled as quickly as possible. But it is not only in central defense that a transfer could still be pending.
Goal
Eintracht is well-staffed between the posts. In Kevin Trapp, there is still a clear number one. The 34-year-old is indispensable not only because of his strengths in goal, but also as a leader. But in Kaua Santos, Trapp has a young and ambitious number two breathing down his neck, who will try to get closer to him in the next few years. In Jens Grahl, SGE also has an experienced number three.
Diploma: Nothing will happen between the posts in Frankfurt this summer.
defense
Centre-back
Although Eintracht still has five central defenders on paper after the departure of Willian Pacho, the center of defense is the biggest problem in the squad. Since Dino Toppmöller likes to play with a three-man defense and Aurele Amenda is still injured, a strong third player is missing alongside Robin Koch and Tuta. According to media reports, Konstantinos Koulierakis is due to arrive from PAOK Saloniki shortly. Frankfurt are expected to pay a transfer fee of ten million euros for the 20-year-old Greek. Felix Uduokhai (FC Augsburg) is also considered a candidate.
Diploma: With Koulierakis, Eintracht would close the last big gap in the squad. Toppmöller’s game system provides for three potential starting center backs. If Amenda is fit again, there could be an exciting competition here. Until then, however, Toppmöller would be better off with a back four with two center backs.
Full-back
If you include Junior Dina-Ebimbe, Eintracht has a total of six full-backs. After the departure of left-back Philipp Max, Niels Nkounkou and new signing Nathaniel Brown will fight for a regular place on the left. On the right, Rasmus Kristensen is the favorite, but could be displaced by Dina-Ebimbe in particular if there is no room for him in midfield. While Buta is more likely to sit on the bench, Chandler is important for the team, especially off the pitch.
Diploma: Eintracht needs to sell a full-back by the end of August if possible. Since Aurelio Buta is in short supply, the Portuguese is likely to be the number one candidate to leave.
Six/Eight
With Ellyes Skhiri and Hugo Larsson, the double six will remain unchallenged in the coming season. Behind them, new signing Oscar Hojlund and the more offensive Mario Götze can hope to play. There are also numerous talented players who are more likely to gain match practice in the second team or hope to be loaned out.
Diploma: Eintracht needs to do something about the number six. With Ellyes Skhiri, the Hessians only have one real libero in the squad, which is definitely not enough, especially as the triple burden continues. If the Tunisian gets injured, there would be a big problem.
Attacking midfielder/winger
Behind the strikers, Eintracht has nine (!) players in the squad, of whom only two would normally be used. With Chaibi, Uzun, Dina-Ebimbe, Bahoya and Götze, five of them also have ambitions to be in the starting eleven, while Knauff and Lisztes are more likely to be used as substitutes. There is no room for Faride Alidou after his mixed loan spell at 1. FC Köln.
Diploma: Of the many offensive players, Eintracht should part with at least one, otherwise tensions could arise due to the oversupply. Frankfurt hope to find a buyer for Alidou in particular. If a suitable offer comes in, Krösche would certainly also consider Dina-Ebimbe, who can be used flexibly but is not really a permanent fixture anywhere.
Centre forward
In attack, Eintracht has three promising players in Marmoush, Ekitike and Matanovic, who should compete with each other in an exciting battle. If Toppmöller plays with two strikers as expected, only Marmoush should be set; in the other position, Matanovic currently has a slight advantage over Ekitike.
Diploma: Eintracht has a good offensive team, but this could only change if Marmoush moves to the Premier League.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s squad is almost too well staffed before the season. There could be unrest in the offensive in particular, as several stars will inevitably be on the bench. The number six and central defence positions are somewhat thinner. Krösche could still sign a new player for each of these positions.
