As Eintracht Frankfurt prepares for the 2024/2025 season, the club finds itself in a state of renewal and transformation.

The summer has been particularly eventful, featuring significant changes both on and off the pitch.

A new assistant coaching staff has been brought in to steer the team alongside head coach Dino Toppmöller, and the playing squad has undergone a considerable overhaul, with around a dozen players either joining or leaving the club.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s previous season was characterised by a mixture of promising starts and challenging phases.

The team kicked off the campaign with a solid performance, securing a 1-0 home victory against Darmstadt and a 1-1 draw away to Mainz.

Their prowess was further showcased in a remarkable 7-0 thrashing of Lokomotiv Leipzig in the first round of the DFB Cup.

Additionally, the Eagles successfully qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs by overcoming PFC Levski Sofia with aggregate scores of 1-1 and 2-0.

However, the autumn months brought a series of challenges.

Following an unbeaten streak in their first four matches, Eintracht suffered their first defeat of the season, a 2-0 loss away to Wolfsburg at the end of September.

This was swiftly followed by a heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat to PAOK in the Europa Conference League group stage, courtesy of a last-minute goal.

Despite these setbacks, Eintracht Frankfurt concluded the 2023/24 season with a respectable tally of 47 points, finishing sixth both at the mid-point and at the end of the season.

This ensured their qualification for the UEFA Europa League, although their performance in the second half of the season was only 11th-best.

The season’s finale was marked by emotional farewells to club stalwarts Sebastian Rode and Makoto Hasebe, who both announced their retirement.

The upcoming data analysis will delve into the composition and depth of Eintracht Frankfurt’s squad for the 2024/2025 season.

This analysis aims to provide insights into the current roster, examining the mix of youth and experience, the integration of new signings, and the overall strategic direction under the new coaching staff.

By evaluating key metrics and player profiles, we aim to illuminate how well-equipped the team is to tackle the challenges of the new season and achieve success both domestically and in European competitions.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Youth-Centric Transfer Philosophy

Markus Krösche‘s tenure as sporting director at Eintracht Frankfurt has been marked by a clear and strategic transfer and recruitment philosophy.

Over the past two seasons, Krösche has focused on assembling a youthful and dynamic squad, leveraging the club’s resources to build a team with a bright future while maintaining competitiveness in the present.

In the 2023/24 season, Krösche’s approach became evident as he assembled a squad of 46 players, using 34 in Bundesliga matches.

This extensive utilisation highlights his belief in squad rotation and depth, giving numerous players opportunities to prove themselves.

Notably, the squad’s average age was 25, making it the second youngest in the league after VfB Stuttgart.

This emphasis on youth is a cornerstone of Krösche’s philosophy, aiming to develop young talents into critical contributors.

During the 2023 summer transfer window, Krösche spent 83.45 million euros on new signings and generated 149 million euros from player sales.

This substantial profit reflects his shrewdness in the transfer market, balancing significant investments with lucrative sales.

This financial prudence ensures the club remains stable and competitive, avoiding the pitfalls of overspending.

This trend continued in the 2024/25 season, with Krösche reducing the squad size to 34 players while further lowering the average age to 23.3.

This younger squad is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, aligning with Krösche’s long-term vision.

The presence of 22 legionnaires (64.7% of the squad) and eight national team players underscores the international flavour and quality within the team.

In the summer transfer window of 2024, Krösche has spent 32 million euros on new signings, focusing exclusively on players under the age of 23, with the exception of Robin Koch, who, at 27, brings experience and stability to the defence.

Krösche’s strategy is not just about immediate success but also long-term growth.

The squad’s current market value of 257.35 million euros reflects the potential and quality of the players assembled.

By focusing on young talents, Krösche aims to increase this value over time as players develop and mature, potentially yielding significant returns on investment in the future.

While youth is a primary focus, Krösche understands the importance of balancing it with experience.

The signing of Robin Koch, who has already been on loan and integrated into the squad, exemplifies this approach.

Koch’s presence ensures that while the team is youthful, it also has the necessary experience to navigate challenging situations and mentor younger players.

Eintracht Frankfurt enters the 2024/2025 season with a well-balanced and robust squad.

Thanks to its strategic acquisitions and the depth of talent across all positions, the team is poised to make a significant impact in domestic and European competitions.

Goalkeepers Driving Eintracht Frankfurt’s Future

Eintracht Frankfurt’s goalkeeping department is anchored by the experienced Kevin Trapp, a reliable shot-stopper who brings stability and leadership to the backline.

Trapp, now 34, joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and remains a key figure for the team.

Complementing him are Jens Grahl, a seasoned backup with solid Bundesliga experience, and Kauã Santos, a young Brazilian prospect signed last season from CR Flamengo U20, who stands at an imposing 1.96 meters.

This blend of experience and youth provides depth and security in the goalkeeping position.

Defenders Shaping Eintracht Frankfurt’s New Era

The defensive lineup boasts a formidable array of talent and versatility.

Willian Pacho, a 22-year-old Ecuadorian centre-back, brings a physical presence and a commanding aerial ability.

Alongside him, Robin Koch, recently acquired from Leeds United after his loan spell, adds both strength and tactical awareness at 27 years of age.

Tuta, another key player, offers reliability and consistency in central defence.

The squad’s depth is further enhanced by emerging talents like new signing Aurèle Amenda and Nnamdi Collins, who represent the future of Eintracht’s defence.

Jérôme Onguéné, with his dual Cameroon-France nationality, adds depth and experience.

Additionally, Davis Bautista and new signing Nathaniel Brown bring youthful exuberance and potential to the defensive ranks.

On the flanks, Niels Nkounkou and Nathaniel Brown cover the left-back position, while Philipp Max offers experience and attacking prowess.

At right-back, Aurélio Buta and Timothy Chandler provide reliability and depth, with Chandler’s extensive Bundesliga experience being particularly valuable.

Midfielders Fueling Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ambitions

The midfield is a blend of dynamism and creativity, anchored by Ellyes Skhiri, a defensive midfielder known for his tactical intelligence and ball-winning abilities.

Young talents like Hugo Larsson and Junior Ebimbe add energy and potential, while Marcel Wenig and Mehdi Loune provide depth and versatility.

Oscar Hojlund is also a new signing known for good defensive positioning, ball-carrying abilities and acceleration.

Attacking midfield is bolstered by Farès Chaïbi, a creative force capable of unlocking defences, and Mario Götze, whose experience and vision remain invaluable.

The addition of the signings Can Uzun and Krisztián Lisztes brings further depth and future potential, making the midfield both versatile and competitive.

Forwards Leading Eintracht Frankfurt’s Attack

Eintracht Frankfurt’s attacking options are diverse.

Omar Marmoush, a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, leads the attack.

Hugo Ekitiké, signed after his loan from Paris Saint-Germain, adds youthful exuberance and a keen eye for goal.

Igor Matanovic, back from his loan at Karlsruher SC and a towering centre-forward, offers a physical presence and aerial threat.

Ansgar Knauff provides pace and creativity on the wings, while Faride Alidou and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya add depth and flair.

Junior Awusi, a promising youngster from the U19 squad, also looks set to make his mark in the senior team.

Conclusion

Markus Krösche’s transfer and recruitment philosophy at Eintracht Frankfurt is characterised by a keen focus on youth, financial prudence, and strategic long-term planning.

By investing in young talents and balancing the squad with experienced players, Krösche is building a team capable of immediate competitiveness and sustained success.

His approach ensures that Eintracht Frankfurt remains a formidable force in German football while positioning the club for a prosperous future.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s squad for the 2024/2025 season is characterised by its depth and versatility.

The club has strategically strengthened each department, ensuring a blend of experienced players and promising young talents.

This depth will be crucial as they navigate the rigors of both the Bundesliga and European competitions.

With a mix of seasoned professionals like Kevin Trapp, Robin Koch, and Mario Götze, along with emerging stars like Nathaniel Brown, Aurèle Amenda, and Can Uzun, Eintracht Frankfurt is well-equipped to compete on multiple fronts.

The team’s tactical flexibility, underpinned by a deep and diverse squad, positions them as strong contenders for success in the upcoming season.