Eintracht Frankfurt’s Current Squad Outlook Ahead of the 2025/26 Season
According to a recent update shared by journalist Christopher Michel, Eintracht Frankfurt enters the lead-up to the 2025/26 football season in a position of stability and self-assuredness regarding its current roster. Club management, coaching staff, and technical directors are collectively content with the balance, quality, and depth they have assembled so far this summer. This sense of satisfaction is not always common at this stage of the pre-season, especially for teams in competitive leagues like the Bundesliga, where late-window activity can often be driven by last-minute needs or sudden transfer opportunities.
The summer market has already brought two headline additions to Frankfurt’s squad: Ritsu Dōan and Jonathan Burkardt. These two arrivals are seen internally not as supplementary signings, but as core reinforcements — players expected to play significant roles both in the short and long term. They have been targeted with precision, their skill sets identified as complementary to the existing squad structure. As a result, club decision-makers feel that further incoming transfers are not essential at this stage.
Key Summer Arrivals
Ritsu Dōan: Technical Skill and Versatility
Ritsu Dōan’s signing is being regarded as a major coup for Frankfurt. The Japanese international, known for his sharp dribbling, close control, and ability to operate effectively on either wing, also brings with him a tenacity in pressing that suits the tactical identity Frankfurt has built under its current coaching leadership. His adaptability makes him an asset in various formations — whether deployed as a wide midfielder in a 4-4-2, an inverted winger in a 4-3-3, or even in a central creative role when circumstances demand.
In addition to his technical skills, Dōan’s experience at both club and international level adds maturity to the squad. He has played in high-pressure environments before, including major tournaments for Japan, which means he can be relied upon in big matches, whether in the Bundesliga or in European competitions.
Jonathan Burkardt: A Homegrown Scoring Threat
Jonathan Burkardt’s arrival also marks a strategic acquisition. The German forward, previously a standout at Mainz 05, has developed a reputation for intelligent movement off the ball, strong link-up play, and a knack for finishing in high-pressure moments. At just 25 years old, Burkardt still has plenty of years ahead of him to develop further, and Frankfurt views him as a forward who can lead the line for years to come.
The club also values Burkardt’s leadership qualities. Despite his relatively young age, he has captained his previous side and has experience mentoring younger teammates. This leadership, combined with his work ethic, aligns well with Frankfurt’s culture of competitiveness and collective effort.
Current Transfer Strategy: A Pause on Purchases
With Dōan and Burkardt secured, Eintracht Frankfurt is not actively pursuing further signings at this moment. Michel’s report makes it clear that the management’s focus is now on squad cohesion rather than expanding the roster further. The club is aiming to integrate the new arrivals effectively, ensuring they adapt quickly to the team’s tactical structure and interpersonal dynamics.
In football, adding too many players in one transfer window can disrupt balance, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Frankfurt appears to be deliberately avoiding this pitfall. By refraining from additional purchases unless absolutely necessary, they give themselves the space to allow existing talent to flourish and to avoid creating unnecessary competition in positions that are already well-covered.
Possible Departures Still on the Horizon
While the incoming transfer activity seems settled, the outbound situation remains more fluid. Michel notes that several players could still leave before the transfer window closes. Among those potentially on their way out are Junior Dina Ebimbe, Hrvoje Smolcic, Aurélio Buta, and Mahmoud Dahoud.
Junior Dina Ebimbe
Dina Ebimbe has been a versatile option for Frankfurt, capable of playing in midfield or wide roles. However, with increased competition for places and tactical adjustments made to accommodate new arrivals, his role could diminish, making a transfer a logical option for both parties.
Hrvoje Smolcic
Smolcic, a central defender, has shown flashes of potential since joining the club, but injuries and competition for starting spots have limited his consistent involvement. A move could provide him with more regular playing time elsewhere while freeing up resources for Frankfurt.
Aurélio Buta
Buta, primarily a right-back, offers attacking thrust from the flanks but faces competition from younger or more tactically flexible options in the squad. If he departs, it could be due to Frankfurt’s preference for full-backs who can invert into midfield during build-up play — a tactical nuance Buta is less known for.
Mahmoud Dahoud
Dahoud’s situation is particularly intriguing. Once highly regarded for his creativity and ability to control tempo in midfield, he now finds himself competing with a stacked central midfield unit. His technical quality is unquestionable, but with game time potentially limited, both player and club may consider a transfer as beneficial.
The London Friendly: A Showcase for Possible Departures
Interestingly, despite speculation about their exits, Smolcic, Buta, and Dahoud will all be part of the squad traveling to London to face Fulham in a friendly scheduled for August 9. This decision could serve multiple purposes:
- Maintaining Match Fitness – Even if these players are expected to leave, staying match-fit is important both for their current club’s needs and for attracting potential buyers.
- Showcasing Talent – Friendly matches provide a low-pressure environment for scouts and other clubs to evaluate potential signings.
- Squad Morale – Including players in pre-season activities, even if they may depart, maintains a sense of professionalism and prevents dressing-room tension.
The Fulham match is also part of Frankfurt’s broader pre-season preparation. Facing Premier League opposition offers a test of tactical flexibility and squad depth before competitive matches begin.
Transfer Window Timeline: Nothing Final Until September 1
While Frankfurt is currently satisfied with its roster, Michel emphasizes a crucial point: nothing is set in stone until the transfer window closes. In Germany and across most European leagues, the summer transfer period runs until September 1. Until that date, clubs remain vulnerable to unexpected developments, such as:
- Injury Crises – A sudden injury to a key player could force Frankfurt to re-enter the market.
- Irresistible Offers – If another club submits a substantial bid for one of Frankfurt’s stars, management may have to reconsider their stance on departures.
- Market Opportunities – Sometimes a high-quality player becomes available late in the window at a reasonable price, prompting an opportunistic purchase.
- Player Requests – Footballers dissatisfied with their role may request transfers, shifting squad plans.
The club’s sporting directors will therefore remain attentive and ready to act if circumstances change.
Strategic Implications for the 2025/26 Season
From a tactical standpoint, Frankfurt’s satisfaction with their squad suggests confidence in their current playing philosophy. Adding Dōan and Burkardt strengthens both their offensive versatility and goal-scoring threat. If departures occur, especially in defensive or midfield areas, the club will need to ensure they have sufficient depth to navigate the long season ahead.
Balancing Stability and Flexibility
Frankfurt’s current approach reflects a balance between stability — keeping the core group intact — and flexibility — remaining open to changes if the right opportunity or necessity arises. The coaching staff will use the final weeks of the pre-season to assess combinations, test tactical variations, and evaluate which players adapt best to the evolving system.
In summary, Christopher Michel’s report paints a picture of a club that has already done the heavy lifting in the transfer market early in the summer, allowing them to approach the remainder of the window with patience and control. The arrivals of Ritsu Dōan and Jonathan Burkardt have filled key needs, and while potential exits may still shape the final squad list, there is no rush to make additional purchases. Still, with the transfer window open until September 1, the football world knows that situations can change quickly — and Frankfurt’s management is ready to adapt if necessary.
Leave a Reply