Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting director, Markus Krösche, has responded to criticism from FC Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeneß.
Krösche addressed Hoeneß’s advice that Frankfurt should not consistently sell its top talents.
«I believe that FC Bayern will also lose players in the future,» Krösche stated, referencing speculative international reports. He added, «If a Michael Olise wants to move to Real Madrid, then opportunities for that will arise.»
Recent reports have repeatedly linked Olise, an exceptional talent, with Real Madrid or leading Premier League clubs. «The market has changed,» Krösche explained. «Other countries and clubs possess different capabilities. Our core focus is to maintain the Bundesliga’s competitiveness on the international stage.»
Eintracht Frankfurt Faces Risk of Missing European Qualification – Uli Hoeneß Criticizes
Eintracht has established itself as one of the Bundesliga’s most effective selling clubs in recent years. Randal Kolo Muani’s €95 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 exemplifies this, with the club often linked with significant future transfers for other key players. However, Frankfurt is currently underperforming its own expectations this season.
Currently, they sit in seventh place in the Bundesliga, which would mean missing out on international competition – unless eighth-placed SC Freiburg wins the DFB-Pokal, overcoming VfB Stuttgart in the semi-final and then FC Bayern or Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
Speaking at an event, Hoeneß elaborated: «Personally, I’m not a big fan of selling good players. I always say at FC Bayern: We are a buying club, not a selling club.» He added, addressing Frankfurt’s board spokesman Axel Hellmann: «Axel Hellmann will eventually understand that in the long run, every sale leads to a loss of substance. It’s great to get 50, 60 million sometimes, but what are the consequences?»
Under Hoeneß, Bayern Rarely Received More Than €45 Million for a Single Player
Under Hoeneß’s tenure, Bayern had rarely received more than €45 million for a single player. For example, Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona, 2022) and Lucas Hernandez (PSG, 2023) were sold for similar amounts. Their most expensive new signing is Harry Kane, acquired for approximately €100 million from Tottenham Hotspur. «Today, I would buy him for 150 million,» the 74-year-old said, praising Kane. «Because he is a dream for Bayern Munich. A global figurehead. A good character, a role model for our youth, our 18-year-olds. He embraces them. He tells them how to shoot the ball.»
A potential buyer would likely have to pay a substantial sum for Olise. The Frenchman currently has a contract until 2029, and there is no release clause.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Record Transfers (Including Future Projections)
| Player | Fee | Year | New Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randal Kolo Muani | 95 Million Euro | 2023 | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Hugo Ekitike | 95 Million Euro | 2025 | FC Liverpool |
| Omar Marmoush | 75 Million Euro | 2025 | Manchester City |
| Luka Jovic | 63 Million Euro | 2019 | Real Madrid |
| Sebastien Haller | 50 Million Euro | 2019 | West Ham United |