BREAKING NEWS: Eintracht Frankfurt Stars Koch and Ekitike Makes Final Decision on their Future with the Team Following Premier League Interest….
Robin Koch to Stay at Eintracht Frankfurt
According to Sport Bild, central defender Robin Koch has decided to remain at Eintracht Frankfurt. The 28-year-old’s future with the club appeared uncertain towards the close of the season as the team was still battling for a UEFA Champions League spot.
With Champions League qualification finally secured on the last matchday of the 2024/25 season, Koch has chosen to stay put. As a result, he will not be pursuing offers from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund or Bayer Leverkusen.
A new contract, which includes a significant salary increase, is expected to be finalized soon. While the report doesn’t offer specifics on potential leadership roles, there is speculation that Koch could be named team captain, possibly taking over from current skipper Kevin Trapp.
Currently on international duty with Julian Nagelsmann’s German squad, Koch is anticipated to sign a contract extension through 2030. An official announcement is likely before the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches conclude.
Hugo Ekitike Nears Chelsea Move After Strong Season at Frankfurt
Former Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike might be on the move again this summer after an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga.
Ekitike had previously turned down Newcastle twice—once in January 2022 and again in June 2022—even after Stade de Reims accepted a £25 million offer. The French forward instead opted to join Paris Saint-Germain, where things didn’t go as planned. He struggled for playing time and was ultimately excluded from the squad after just one season.
In January 2023, Ekitike joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, a move that later became permanent. During the 2024/25 season, the 22-year-old found his form, scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances and playing a key role in Frankfurt’s third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
His performances have caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea and Liverpool. BILD reports that both Premier League sides have initiated discussions with Ekitike regarding a potential transfer. Frankfurt is aware of the negotiations.
Despite Chelsea’s pending £30 million signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, they are reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with Ekitike. However, Frankfurt’s £80 million valuation could complicate any deal. Additionally, the forward is currently sidelined with a back injury that forced him to withdraw from France’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship.
French Football Federation Confirms Ekitike’s Injury
The French Football Federation issued a statement confirming that Ekitike will miss the Under-21 Euros due to back pain, which he had been dealing with during the final stretch of the club season. Medical staff concluded he would not be fit in time for the tournament.
Ekitike Reflects on PSG Move and Newcastle Rejection
In an interview with UEFA, Ekitike explained his decision to choose PSG over Newcastle:
“I had a lot of offers, and when Paris came calling, it felt like the natural next step. They’re the top team in France and had the world’s best players. I couldn’t say no.”
He acknowledged that his stint in Paris wasn’t fulfilling but believes it was a necessary step in his growth:
“It may not have been the happiest phase of my career, but looking back, it was something I needed. I’ve got big ambitions, and every experience, even tough ones, is part of my journey.”
Did Newcastle Avoid a Risk?
Given Ekitike’s struggles in Paris, some have viewed Newcastle’s failed pursuit of him as a fortunate miss. Instead, they turned to Alexander Isak, who has since delivered outstanding performances—scoring 54 goals in 86 Premier League matches—becoming the club’s second-highest scorer behind Alan Shearer.
However, Ekitike’s resurgence in Germany demonstrates the potential Newcastle had seen when they twice attempted to sign him. With Callum Wilson’s contract set to expire this summer, the Magpies are again in the market for attacking reinforcements, though finding a striker willing to play second fiddle to Isak could be a challenge.
In addition to a forward, Newcastle is also eyeing a new right winger and defender, following the departures of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United and Lloyd Kelly to Juventus.
