Frankfurt rethink Ebimbe sale following coaching change
Junior Dina Ebimbe’s proposed transfer to Schalke 04 hangs in the balance after Eintracht Frankfurt’s new head coach Adi Hütter indicated he wants to keep the versatile midfielder. The Cameroonian appeared destined for the newly-promoted Bundesliga side following a total agreement between player and club, but pre-season involvement under the Austrian coach has cast fresh doubt over his departure.
From PSG prospect to Frankfurt uncertainty
The 23-year-old, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, last featured regularly for Frankfurt during the 2023/24 campaign. He spent the following season on loan at Brest, where sporting director Markus Krösche had been working to convert the temporary arrangement into a permanent transfer.
However, Hütter’s arrival has altered the landscape. The former Monaco boss has already handed Ebimbe minutes during Frankfurt’s pre-season preparations, signalling a potential reprieve for a player who seemed surplus to requirements.
Contract dilemma looms
The situation is complicated by Ebimbe’s contract status. His current deal expires at the conclusion of the upcoming season, meaning he would leave as a free agent next summer if no extension is signed. This creates a dilemma for the club: cash in now while Schalke remain interested, or risk losing the midfielder for nothing in 12 months.
Schalke had reached a comprehensive agreement with Ebimbe and were awaiting Frankfurt’s final approval. That consent now looks less certain as Hütter evaluates whether the player fits his tactical plans.
What happens next?
The decisive factor will be whether Frankfurt can secure Ebimbe’s signature to a new contract. Without fresh terms, a sale remains the pragmatic option despite the coach’s apparent change of heart. For Ebimbe, the choice lies between regular football at Schalke and fighting for his place under a manager who has already shown faith in him during friendly fixtures.
Frankfurt must weigh Hütter’s sporting preference against the financial reality of losing an asset for free in 2025. The coming weeks will determine whether the Bundesliga club perform a complete U-turn or ultimately sanction the transfer to Gelsenkirchen.