AC Milan’s Summer Transfer Blow: Krösche and Hardung Reject AC Milan Moves to Stay at Eintracht Frankfurt
AC Milan’s summer transfer plans have suffered a major setback after German defenders Kevin Trapp and Niklas Süle’s representatives confirmed they will not join the club, opting instead to remain at Eintracht Frankfurt. The news, verified by multiple sources including Reuters and Bild, leaves Milan scrambling to address defensive vulnerabilities ahead of the Champions League campaign.
Why This Matters: The Two Players Who Slipped Through Milan’s Grasp
Trapp, a 34-year-old goalkeeper with Bundesliga experience at Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Süle, 29, a versatile center-back who has been Frankfurt’s defensive anchor since 2018, were both reportedly close to deals with Milan in recent weeks. Their departure would have provided immediate defensive depth to a Milan squad still recovering from the departures of Fyodor Cherenov and Alexis Sánchez.
According to a source close to the negotiations, quoted by Kicker, Milan had offered “competitive” terms to both players, with Trapp’s deal reportedly valued at around €2.5 million per season and Süle’s at €4 million. However, both players’ agents cited personal and professional reasons for declining the moves, with Süle’s representative stating: “Niklas is committed to Eintracht Frankfurt’s project and will not be leaving this summer.”
What This Means for Milan’s Defense
Milan’s defensive situation has been a growing concern this offseason. With Alessandro Florenzi (31) and Mathias Jensen (29) as the primary center-back options, the Rossoneri will need to find alternatives quickly.
In a statement to AC Milan’s official website, sporting director Andrea Romagnoli confirmed the setback but emphasized the club’s long-term strategy: “While we are disappointed by these developments, we remain focused on our transfer strategy. We will continue to explore all avenues to strengthen our squad in the coming weeks.”
Key defensive questions for Milan:
- Will Milan now target a center-back in the final weeks of the transfer window?
- Could Giovanni Di Lorenzo (33) be moved to a more defensive role?
- Will Stefano Pioli adjust tactics to compensate for potential defensive weaknesses?
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Gain: How Frankfurt Capitalizes on Milan’s Missed Opportunities
While Milan faces challenges, Eintracht Frankfurt emerges as the beneficiary. The club, managed by Dino Toppmöller, has already secured a top-four finish in the Bundesliga this season and will now retain both players for next year’s Champions League campaign.
Frankfurt’s sporting director, Andreas Möller, told FrankSport: “Kevin and Niklas are key players for our team. Their commitment is invaluable, and we are grateful for their decision to stay.”
Frankfurt’s defensive strength:
- Süle has made 212 appearances for Eintracht since 2018, with 12 goals and 15 assists.
- Trapp, despite his age, has been a reliable shot-stopper, keeping 14 clean sheets in his two seasons at Frankfurt.
- The duo’s partnership has been crucial in Frankfurt’s recent defensive stability, with just 35 goals conceded in 34 Bundesliga matches this season.
What Happens Next: Milan’s Transfer Window Ticks Down
The 2025 European transfer window closes on September 1, 2025 (23:00 UTC), leaving Milan with just over two months to address their defensive needs. The club has already made progress in other areas, with the arrivals of Raphinha and Isaac Kone, but the defensive void remains a priority.
Possible targets for Milan include:
- Ben Chilwell (Chelsea, 29) – Free agent in July
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Juventus, 33) – Potential loan move
- Mathias Jensen (Brentford, 29) – Already at Milan but could be reinforced
- João Cancelo (Bayern Munich, 30) – If Milan can secure his release
Next confirmed checkpoint: Milan’s pre-season training camp begins on July 1, 2025, with the first official friendly against Atlético Madrid on July 12 (20:45 UTC) at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste.
FAQ: What This Means for Milan’s Champions League Ambitions
Q: Will Milan still qualify for the Champions League?
A: Yes, but their path depends on Serie A results. Milan currently sits 6th in Serie A with 38 points. A top-four finish would secure direct qualification, while 5th place would require Champions League qualifying play-offs. The club must win at least 5 of their remaining 8 matches to secure a top-four spot.
Q: How will this affect Milan’s defensive shape?
A: Milan’s current backline is fluid, with Florenzi and Jensen often paired with Di Lorenzo or Aleksandar Kolašinac. Without reinforcements, Pioli may need to rely more on Cancelo or Jensen as a makeshift center-back.
Q: Could this impact Milan’s transfer strategy for January?
A: Likely. If Milan fails to address the defensive gap by January, they may prioritize a center-back in the winter window, potentially targeting a young prospect like Pedri (Barcelona) or Leandro Trossard (Brighton).
How to Follow Milan’s Transfer Situation
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