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Every year the same game by and with Filip Kostic: What will become of the best footballer in Frankfurt Eintracht?
Frankfurt – At the moment of the sweet triumph in Seville, Oliver Glasner had pretty much committed himself with a mischievous smile on his lips. After the award ceremony, he, the Eintracht coach, talked to his star player on the field, that devil on the left, Filip Kostic, who was soon to be named the best footballer in the entire competition, and after the confidential chat he had Coach Glasner feels good. The football coach didn’t want to reveal exactly what the two talked about on May 18th in the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, only this much: The journey together is not over yet. “I don’t think it was Filip Kostic’s last game for Eintracht Frankfurt.” Would Oliver Glasner put it like this or something similar again today, almost two and a half weeks apart?
Because the fact that Filip Kostic, officially the best player in the Europa League, will also play for Eintracht in the new season cannot – as of now – be taken for granted. A clear case of: It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Speculations are ramping up again at the moment. Like every summer.
Filip Kostic from Eintracht Frankfurt: Juventus Turin is preparing an offer
It is currently the prestigious club Juventus Turin, who has their eye on the left winger. The Italians are said to be preparing an offer for the Serb, who is tied until 2023, which will be above 15 million euros. Of course, Eintracht would only consider a transfer from a sum of around 22 million euros, their price tag actually says 25 million. Quite a bit of cash for someone entering their final year of contract. On the one hand. On the other hand, Filip Kostic is Filip Kostic – one of the best wingers in Europe.
Despite the additional income from international competition, Eintracht is dependent on transfer income, but has no increased interest in giving up the coveted player. As Kostic confirmed during a media round in Belgrade, she offered him a contract extension. The Serbian international is still hesitating. “I feel good with Eintracht, with them I’ve experienced the greatest successes of my career,” he said. “We are negotiating with management. We want to make the best decision.” The prerequisites are clear: Kostic could earn a lot more money in Italy than in Frankfurt. And he doesn’t have much time left if he wants to change clubs again and get a big contract. In November he will be 30 years old, and even a model athlete and model professional will eventually wear down the ravages of time, especially when the game is primarily and secondarily based on dynamics, speed and power.
On the other hand, the left winger knows what he has in Frankfurt, his status is extremely high, he is recognized and valued. This is not unimportant, especially for a sensitive professional. And he could also earn good money in Frankfurt, Eintracht would offer him almost five million euros. It is also conceivable and a serious option to agree on a compromise and initially extend the contract by one year. That would give Kostic the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Eintracht, which has become an affair of the heart for him, which would mean a lot to him. And he would still have the opportunity to change clubs a year later.
In any case, there should no longer be an unworthy spectacle like a year ago, when Lazio Rome lured the player with a net income of more than four million euros and Kostic wanted to go on strike to Italy. The sporting directors did everything right back then, in late summer 2021, when they let the almost outrageous offer from the Italians for more than ten million euros – submitted in a meager three-liner – come to nothing and made it clear to the player that he was sure to go this way cannot force release. Kostic immediately apologized for his improper behavior.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Ndicka gone in a year?
Nothing has stuck, he is highly valued in the club and in the team and admired by the fans. Those responsible, which was extremely important at the time, showed attitude and strength, set an example – internally and externally.
Now, in addition to Kostic, Daichi Kamada, Evan Ndicka and Djibril Sow are also candidates for sale. Kamada and Ndicka’s contracts also expire in a year, and sporting director Markus Krösche wants to avoid losing a player on a free transfer at all costs. Means: either extend or sell – or, see Kostic, build in a one-year bridging.
It is most likely that defender Ndicka will leave the club, also because Eintracht has upgraded their defense. The strong Frenchman is said to be aiming for a free transfer in a year. With director Kamada, on the other hand, everything seems open. There remains Djibril Sow. The Swiss marathon man still has a contract until 2024, but an exit clause of 35 million euros. A lot of money, but Europa League winners have their price. (Ingo Durstewitz)
