The new Hugo Ekitike. When signing Elye Wahi last winter, Eintracht Frankfurt had very high hopes for the Frenchman. The latter was coming out of six complicated months within Olympique de Marseille, who did not hesitate to sell him when the German team asked €26 million, plus bonuses, during the month of January 2025. In the process, the former Lens player, who experienced his time in Marseille as a failure, explained his decision. “I'm happy to be at Eintracht from now on. It's a great club that I've heard a lot of positive things about. For me, it quickly became clear that I wanted to take this chance and come here. I want to repay the confidence placed in me by performing well and scoring goals.”
Wahi is behind the competition
For its part, Eintracht Frankfurt welcomed this signing through its sporting director, Markus Krösche. “We have been following Elye Wahi for some time and we are happy that he is now playing for Eintracht Frankfurt. Elye is a fast striker with a good shot and a highly developed goalscoring instinct. He is a young player in full development, whose qualities we are convinced of. At the same time, we give him the necessary time to adapt.” The plan was to relaunch the 22-year-old striker and sell him at a high price in a few seasons like Hugo Ekitike, who was stuck at PSG and who was sold for more than €90 million this summer to Liverpool.
But with Wahi, the Bundesliga team is still very far from achieving its objectives. During his first six months, he appeared 11 times in all competitions. It was not decisive. He needed time to adapt, as he admitted to The Team. “The beginning was a little complicated, because I arrived injured and I had to adapt to a new culture, a new language, a new requirement. But I think it was a good time to go abroad. Today, all the lights are green. I'm trying to move forward, to make my mark. Step by step.” This season, things are better. The former Montpellier and Lens player has made 8 matches in all competitions, including only 2 as a starter.
An uncertain future in Frankfurt
Time for him to score 1 goal and deliver 3 assists. But he is not an essential element of Dino Toppmöller's eleven. The latter relies in particular on Jonathan Burkardt, who arrived this summer from Mainz and who scored 5 goals and delivered 1 assist in 8 matches, including 7 as a starter. Wahi therefore still has a lot of work and a long way to go to hope to dislodge its competitor. And things aren't going to get better for him. This Wednesday, Sky Germany reveals that Eintracht Frankfurt wants to recruit William Osula. A player already approached during the last transfer windows but who remained at Newcastle. This winter, the Germans intend to try again for the Dane under contract until 2029 with the Magpies.
Which is bad news for the Frenchman, who would see an additional offensive element arrive. Sky Germany adds that Frankfurt, which wants to get rid of Michy Batshuayi, is not satisfied with Wahi. “It clearly does not meet expectations”writes the German publication. From there to considering an early departure this winter? Sky Germany indicates that this is unlikely but does not completely rule out this option. Bild also ensures that if a good proposal arrives for the footballer under contract until 2030, it will necessarily be studied by Frankfurt which does not rule out his departure. The Germans invested €26 million (+ bonuses) for an item whose market value fell from €25 million in December 2024 to €18 million in October 2025 according to the specialized site transfermarkt.
Frankfurt does not rule out a departure
This has not escaped Frankfurt, which certainly wants to limit the damage with the Elye Wahi bet. Asked about the French player, sporting director Timmo Hardung admitted: “In certain situations, as a club, we have to close the doors to the outside world and let our team work. Our job is to help struggling players improve. But it is true that Elye has not yet been very happy during his appearances. His integration and progression process did not go to the level we expected.” Under pressure, Elye Wahi still has a little time to reverse the trend and meet Frankfurt's expectations.
But he will have to show a better face according to Dominik Schneider, journalist for Football Transfer. “I still remember Wahi during his matches in France. He is far from being in his best form, he seems incapable of reaching his best level. His problem is that he still hasn't scored (in the league, editor's note). Maybe he'll finally break through when he scores a goal or two. The question is whether Frankfurt will give him the time and confidence to achieve this.” Answer in a few months…
