Eintracht Frankfurt is navigating a challenging season, with their high-priced summer acquisition Elye Wahi set back by injury, while fellow striker Hugo Ekitiké is turning heads with his recent performances.
Elye Wahi was signed in January from Olympique Marseille for a base fee of €20 million, which could increase to €25 million with bonuses. The 21-year-old forward has had a difficult start at the club, accumulating only 169 minutes on the pitch without contributing a goal. His recent knee injury, sustained in training, is expected to keep him sidelined for around three weeks.
Wahi’s situation has raised questions among fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding his fitness and adaptation to the Bundesliga's intensity. Eintracht Frankfurt's sporting director, Timmo Hardung, noted that despite the setback, Wahi’s rehabilitation has been approached with renewed energy. “He has started his rehab with full energy,” Hardung stated, emphasizing the importance of careful management of the player’s workload during recovery.
“That is the million-dollar question,” joked Wolfsburg coach Dino Toppmöller, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding when Wahi will return to form. Wahi’s contract runs until 2030, and Eintracht hope that once he clears this hurdle, he can live up to the expectation of being a game-changer for the squad.
In contrast to Wahi’s struggles, Ekitiké—a key player for Frankfurt—has recently excelled on the international stage. The 22-year-old scored a hat-trick for France’s U21 national team in their 5-3 victory against England on March 21. His performance not only solidified his place in the team but also significantly increased his market value, making him a hot commodity ahead of the summer transfer window.
The young striker is currently inversely comparable to Wahi; while he has 13 league goals, three in the DFB-Pokal, and three in the Europa League, the club's sporting director Markus Krösche has made it clear that Ekitiké will not leave for less than €80 million this summer. “He has unending capabilities, and we require patience to see how far he can go,” Krösche stated, reflecting the faith the club has in the striker, who is likely to be a significant part of their attacking strategy moving forward.
As a coach, Toppmöller expressed satisfaction with Ekitiké’s growth and ongoing contributions, which have been viewed favorably in light of Wahi's absence. The coach affirmed, “Slowly we are seeing what Jean-Matteo Bahoya can do. It’s important that Michy Batshuayi is fulfilling his role well; he is a crucial factor and helps us maintain possession.”
This past week, Frankfurt achieved a significant milestone by surpassing their goal tally from last season. With a total of 54 goals already scored, they accomplished the feat by Matchday 26 after a solid performance against Bochum, winning 3-1 on March 22.
The improvements in Frankfurt’s attacking play are notable, especially considering they offloaded top scorer Omar Marmoush to Manchester City during the winter transfer window. The team's offensive resurgence has provided a much-needed boost after a slump in performance, with Toppmöller’s strategies paying off as players adapt and gel.
Frankfurt appears to be finding their rhythm, and both Wahi and Ekitiké are crucial players in their future ambitions. As the Bundesliga season nears its conclusion on May 17, the club must continue to build on this progress, with hopes of securing European competition next season.
Ultimately, the ongoing developments surrounding Elye Wahi and Hugo Ekitiké will greatly influence Eintracht Frankfurt's trajectory in the Bundesliga, as they aim to capitalize on their improved goal-scoring capabilities while integrating all their talents effectively.
