Eintracht Frankfurt will begin the new Bundesliga season with Noah Atubolu as their clear first-choice goalkeeper. Manager Adi Hütter has resolved the goalkeeping situation ahead of Saturday's opener against Union Berlin. This ends a period of uncertainty between the posts, while the search for an experienced centre-back continues before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. The Eagles finished 8th in the final standings last season with 44 points, scoring 61 goals and conceding 65.
Who is in goal for Eintracht Frankfurt?
Adi Hütter has ended the goalkeeper debate by naming Noah Atubolu as his number one. The 24-year-old, 1.90-meter-tall keeper moved from SC Freiburg this summer after a desired switch to the Premier League fell through. With 125 competitive appearances for Freiburg, Atubolu brings necessary experience. His competitors have no future at the club: 22-year-old Brazilian Kaua Santos is viewed as error-prone and is expected to leave. Michael Zetterer, 31, is reportedly close to a move to Leeds United and was never considered an option for the starting spot by Hütter.
What is the state of the defence?
The defence is the biggest concern ahead of the season. Nathaniel Brown, Rasmus Kristensen and Aurèle Amenda have departed. Their roles are expected to be taken over by players like Eleven Baum, Kosugi and Otávio. On paper, the new back line appears weaker. An experienced centre-back is urgently sought, especially with Nnamdi Collins out long-term. Captain Robin Koch looked insecure during a 7-0 friendly defeat to Brentford. Back in January, the team conceded 20 goals in seven competitive matches. Arthur Theate is currently not part of the squad despite having a valid contract. However, Hütter is said to provide more clarity and security to the defenders than interim coaches Dennis Schmitt and Albert Riera did.
How has the midfield been improved?
The midfield has been significantly strengthened. Raphael Onyedika, a Nigerian international signed from Club Brugge, and Noël Aséko are yet to play a Bundesliga match but bring more pace to the game than predecessors Ellyes Skhiri and Mahmoud Dahoud. Onyedika is set as the classic 'number six' for the start of the season. Oscar Højlund remains the only central midfielder with above-average dynamism. The team's midfield pressing is expected to become more intense. Hütter stated: "I have all possible player profiles available to meet every opponent's profile." The coach also said he would prefer one or two fewer players in midfield in exchange for more options in other positions.
What are the plans for the attack?
The club aims to sign a new top striker in the coming days. Jonathan Burkardt was ill at the start of the week, raising doubts about his availability for the first match. Younes Ebnoutalib is a comparatively inexperienced forward. Therefore, Eintracht Frankfurt would prefer to bring back Arnaud Kalimuendo. The 24-year-old attacking player has reportedly signalled a desire to return. His current club, Nottingham Forest, managed by former Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner, must grant permission. Due to limited financial means, a loan deal for Kalimuendo, who has an estimated market value of €25 million, is the most likely option. Hütter remarked: "And if we then have a little bit of small change and we can do something up front, the coach won't say no."
Eintracht finished 45 points behind champions Bayern Munich last season. All focus is now on the season opener against Union Berlin, before the next home fixture against 9th-placed FC Augsburg on September 6th. The current squad roster can be viewed on our squad page. The priorities before the transfer deadline are clear: a centre-back and possibly a striker must still be found to achieve the goal of returning to European football.
