Perfect: Eintracht Frankfurt takes Ellyes Skhiri on a free transfer from 1. FC Köln

Free transfer

What was hinted at on Wednesday afternoon has now been confirmed: Ellyes Skhiri is moving to Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer after his contract with 1. FC Köln ended. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder has signed a long-term contract with Hessen until 2027. Central defender Robin Koch (26) could follow him in a timely manner. Among the most valuable additions in the history of the Frankfurt club, Skhiri is in eighth place with a market value of 13 million euros, just behind Randal Kolo Muani (24), who was also a free transfer. The Tunisian World Cup participant will wear shirt number 15.

Eintracht sports director Markus Krösche said about the transfer: “With Ellyes Skhiri we were able to sign an absolute dream player. He is a seasoned Bundesliga player with plenty of national and international experience. Despite lucrative offers from home and abroad, he opted for Eintracht and thus underlined how much he identifies with the task here in Frankfurt. Ellyes will be an important player and stabilizer in defensive midfield.”

Skhiri said: “Eintracht Frankfurt is a club that has developed strongly in recent years. I was impressed by how intensively those responsible tried to help me. I am convinced that Frankfurt is the right next step for me and that we will achieve our goals together. I want to make my contribution to this. After my wonderful time in Cologne, it was particularly important to me to switch to a club that plays internationally and where emotionality plays a major role. That’s why I’m looking forward to the home games in front of the great Frankfurt crowd.”

Eintracht Frankfurt: Toppmöller had a share in the Skhiri transfer – top statistics

Skhiri is among the world’s most valuable players to have been on the market for free. Speculations have been raging for months about the previously most valuable Cologne player, with Eintracht repeatedly mentioned as a major prospect. Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympique Lyon, AC Milan and FC Sevilla were also traded. According to the “Bild”, the Conference League participant has even backed down in the meantime, but Skhiri has now decided on Frankfurt. The new coach Dino Toppmöller played a big part in that.

Given the strengths that Skhiri showed on the pitch for Cologne, the transfer for Eintracht can certainly be classified as a coup. For statistical metrics such as Balls Recovered (2nd), Shots and Passes Blocked (6th), Passes Intercepted (2nd), Passes During Game (2nd) or Tackles Won ( 5.) According to the data service provider “Opta”, Skhiri occupied good to top places in a comparison of all Bundesliga midfielders. He also scored seven goals himself and prepared one, so he didn’t just convince with defensive qualities.

Ellyes Skhiri becomes an eagle bearer!

The 28-year-old midfielder joins Eintracht on a free transfer, where he has signed a contract until 2027.

Welcome to the heart of Europe, Ellyes #SGE

— Eintracht Frankfurt (@Eintracht) July 5, 2023

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