The future of the Eintracht Frankfurt squad is the central focus for sporting director Markus Krösche following the club's failure to qualify for Europe. The 43-year-old is under pressure to find the right personnel answers to a disappointing season.
Which players are under discussion?
The internal analysis is focusing on several key players whose development has stalled or who have had injury problems. The focus is on winger Ansgar Knauff in particular. The 22-year-old made 28 Bundesliga appearances last season but scored only two goals and provided three assists. His contract runs until the summer of 2027. The situation of centre-back Robin Koch is also being scrutinised. The defender, who joined on a free transfer from Leeds United last summer, was a mainstay with 31 league appearances, but the defence overall remained too vulnerable, conceding 49 goals. Koch's contract also runs until 2027.
Other players whose roles need re-evaluation are Junior Dina Ebimbe and Omar Marmoush. Ebimbe, under contract until 2027, has not yet regained his old strength following a serious knee injury. Marmoush was Eintracht's top scorer with 13 goals, but his efficiency in decisive moments is being viewed critically. The team finished the season in 8th place with 50 points.
What is the plan for new signings?
The assessment of the last transfer window is mixed. While Koch proved solid, highly-rated midfielder Hugo Larsson has yet to make the hoped-for breakthrough. The 19-year-old Sweden international made 30 appearances and scored two goals in his first Bundesliga season. His development must take a leap forward next season. Eintracht is not planning a radical overhaul but targeted adjustments. A central aim is signing an experienced, goal-hungry striker to bring consistency to the attack.
The financial situation after missing out on European revenue limits room for manoeuvre. The decision-makers must make smart, perhaps unpopular, choices to keep the squad competitive. A look at the current squad list shows the potential but also the need for reform.
What are the next steps?
Markus Krösche and head coach Dino Toppmöller will hold individual talks with the players in the coming weeks. These discussions will focus on clear perspectives and expectations for pre-season. The first official training session is scheduled for early July. By then, the sporting leadership must have a clear picture of who will be part of the future and who might leave the club.
Planning for the new season is already in full swing. Eintracht will begin pre-season with a friendly before the official campaign kicks off with the DFB-Pokal first round in late July. You can find the exact pre-season schedule and dates of the first competitive matches in our fixtures overview. For Krösche, this is the biggest challenge of his tenure so far: finding the right course between continuity and necessary change. Eintracht finished last season's home games with a record of seven wins, seven draws, and five defeats.
