Eintracht Frankfurt have triggered their buyback clause to re-sign striker Noel Futkeu from Greuther Fürth for a reported €1.3 million. The move comes after a prolific season for the 23-year-old, who finished as the 2. Bundesliga’s top scorer with 19 goals. The club confirmed the agreement following Fürth’s final league match of the season.
Futkeu initially joined Eintracht Frankfurt’s second team in 2023, making a single appearance for the first team before transferring to Greuther Fürth. He experienced a significant upturn in form with Fürth, becoming central to their playoff push despite their struggles against relegation throughout the campaign. He scored each of Fürth’s previous seven goals before their final day win against Fortuna Düsseldorf, ultimately adding another to secure a 3-0 victory.
Greuther Fürth secured a playoff spot thanks to Futkeu’s goals and will now face Rot-Weiss Essen, a club Futkeu briefly represented in his youth, for a chance to remain in the 2. Bundesliga. Branimir Hrgota will join Futkeu in playing two more matches for Fürth before his departure. The season marked the first time since 2017/18 that no player reached 20 goals in the 2. Bundesliga, with Mateusz Żukowski of Magdeburg and Isac Lidberg of Darmstadt finishing as joint runners-up with 17 goals apiece.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s decision to activate the buyback clause suggests they see Futkeu as a valuable addition to their squad, potentially with a view to a future sale for a higher fee, according to reports. Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche may be planning for an immediate return on investment. Futkeu will now compete for a place in Frankfurt’s attack, hoping to build on his impressive goalscoring record and establish himself as a Bundesliga player. The move provides Frankfurt with additional attacking options ahead of next season.
