The Hard Tackle takes a look at five players Eintracht Frankfurt should sign following the big-money sale of Luka Jovic and Sebastien Haller.
As expected, Eintracht Frankfurt have experienced a mass exodus in the attacking department, with two of star forwards in Luka Jovic and Sebastien Haller leaving the club this summer. Jovic joined Real Madrid for a fee of €60 million while Haller moved to West Ham. He was brought in for a fee of €40 million.
While the departures of these two talented individuals will significantly weaken the Frankfurt offence, it could also hand them a significant boost in terms of their transfer budget. The Eagles have already brought in Dejan Joveljic from Red Star. But, the Serbian is more of a long-term investment, and it is doubtful whether he will be able to make an impact at the Commerzbank Arena right from the get-go.
And here, at the Hard Tackle, we will take a look at five players Eintracht Frankfurt should invest the Jovic, Haller cash on as they look to continue their promising spell under Adi Hutter next season.
Maximilian Philipp
Philipp is one of the biggest names linked with a move to Eintracht Frankfurt this summer. The Borussia Dortmund star has struggled with lack of game time since joining the club in 2017 for a fee of €20 million. He is, in fact, yet to surpass the 2,000-minute mark in the Bundesliga during the past couple of seasons. Hence, a move away from Ruhupott does make sense.
Eintracht, in that regard, could be an ideal suitor for Philipp. The ex-Freiburg star is known for his tenacity and willingness to work hard for his team – traits that should tune in well with Hutter’s tactical philosophy. The 25-year-old is also known for his versatility as he can feature almost anywhere across the final third – making it easier for Hutter to accommodate him into the starting lineup.
Martin Hinteregger
Eintracht are in imminent need of a new centre half given the injury troubles of David Abraham and Evan N’Dicka. Bringing back Martin Hinteregger, in that regard, could be a good idea. He is, in fact, already returned to Commerzbank Arena.
The Austrian international was more or less success after he joined the club on loan from Augsburg in January. His presence at the back was crucial, especially with both N’Dicka and Abraham spending time on the sidelines. Hinteregger’s commitment and no-nonsense defensive mentality could be ideal for a Frankfurt team that is expected to defend in deep-blocks next season.
Besides, the 26-year-old will also provide some much-needed competition for Simon Falette. And with Abraham nearing the final phase of his career, Hinteregger could turn out to be a smart piece of investment for the Eagles.
Kevin Trapp
Eintracht must do everything they can to bring back Kevin Trapp to Commerzbank Arena this summer. The German international was the answer to the club’s goalkeeping problems following the departure of Lukas Hradecky to Bayer Leverkusen.
Trapp did exceptionally well in his return to Commerzbank Arena last season, keeping eight clean sheets in 33 league matches. His performances in goal were crucial as Frankfurt finished seventh in the league and reached the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League.
However, PSG are yet to resolve their goalkeeping issues, and Eintracht must wait if they are to secure the services of the 29-year-old. Michael Esser could be an ideal alternative, should Frankfurt’s pursuit of Trapp end in failure.
Anastasios Donis
With so much money coming in from the respective sales of Haller and Jovic, it is almost given that Eintracht Frankfurt will sign a few centre forwards this summer. Anastasios Donis could well be one of the potential candidates.
The VfB Stuttgart striker enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in less than 1,000 minutes of league football. The Greek International impressed the onlookers with his determination and pace that could make him a tailor-made fit for Hutter’s setup at Eintracht.
Donis can be considered as a like for like replacement for Jovic as well. Besides, he will likely be available for a cut-price following Stuttgart’s relegation to the second division. Hence, the 22-year-old should remain one of SGE’s prime targets this summer.
Alfredo Morelos
Speaking of number nines, Rangers’ superstar Alfredo Morelos could be an ideal replacement for Haller next season. The Colombian international has aggression, tenacity and an impressive scoring tally – traits that are necessary to thrive in the fast-paced nature of the Bundesliga.
Morelos is by far the most expensive player on this list. But, the 23-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most underrated strikers playing in Europe. Besides, he has already scored as many as 52 goals in less than 98 competitive matches for Rangers.
His lack of discipline, however, could be an issue. But, if the Colombian can overcome that problem, he is destined to become a hit in the Bundesliga.