An analysis by Hessischer Rundfunk (HR) reveals that Eintracht Frankfurt is entering the new season with an unbalanced squad after the summer transfer window. The report from September 2026 highlights concerning gaps in defence and attack, posing significant tactical challenges for coach Adi Hütter.
What is the state of Eintracht's defence?
The defence is described as the team's biggest problem area. With the departure of four internationals, including Nene Brown and Arthur Theate, the club has suffered a massive loss of quality. Their replacements are young, inexperienced players like 20-year-old Keita Kosugi and Elias Baum, or new centre-back Lilian Brassier (26). Robin Koch (30) and the injured Nnamdi Collins (22) provide the necessary experience. In total, only seven players are available for four positions, with only two natural full-backs in the squad, including veteran Timothy Chandler (36). This thin squad depth may force Hütter to switch to a back-three system to mask the weaknesses.
Is the midfield in better shape?
Compared to other areas, the midfield appears significantly more solid. New signings Raphael Onyedika and Noel Aseko are tasked with filling the long-vacant defensive midfield role. In central and attacking midfield, Eintracht still offers high quality with players like Can Uzun, Ritsu Doan, Fares Chaibi, and Mario Götze, despite the departures of Hugo Larsson and Ellyes Skhiri. Talents such as Ayoube Amaimouni or Oscar Höjlund are waiting for their chance. However, the squad lacks classic wingers following the sale of Jean-Matteo Bahoya. Pure touchline-hugging wingers are not necessarily required in Hütter's system. The current composition can be examined in detail on our squad page.
What are the problems in attack?
The failed signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo on deadline day could prove to be a costly mistake. Jonathan Burkardt and Younes Ebnoutalib are the only experienced strikers, but their reliability is questionable. Burkardt is known for his injury proneness. Ebnoutalib, only in the Bundesliga since January 2026, remains a young player with expected performance fluctuations, despite scoring a hat-trick on the opening matchday in Berlin. The third option is 18-year-old Malik Pimpong, who was originally planned for the U21s. "Similar to the defence, the planning in attack is also adventurous," the HR report states. Should both main strikers be unavailable, the offensive prowess of the Bundesliga club would depend on a teenager. This tense situation is also reflected in the current stats.
Who is Eintracht's new goalkeeper?
A bright spot is the goalkeeper position. Sporting director Markus Krösche secured an important transfer with the loan of Noah Atubolu from SC Freiburg, including an option to buy. Atubolu is clearly set as the number one, ending the "kerfuffle between the posts," as the HR puts it. Kaua Santos will be his deputy, while Michael Zetterer was sold to Leeds United. The signing of Atubolu, who originally wanted to move to the Premier League, came about surprisingly but represents a clear improvement.
What's next for Adi Hütter?
Coach Adi Hütter must deal creatively with the given personnel weaknesses. Besides a potential switch to a back three in defence, he could also opt for a single striker up front to have more variability from the bench. A final option would be signing a free agent; rumours about Joselu circulated on deadline day. The coming weeks will show how the team copes with the difficult starting situation. The next test is an away match at VfB Stuttgart on 12 September 2026, as shown on the fixtures calendar.
