‘Batman Returns (to the Bundesliga)’ – How Eintracht Frankfurt completed the last minute signing of Michy Batshuayi

Last night, Eintracht Frankfurt completed the signing of Michy Batshuayi in what was a last-minute, kicker reported on how they managed to beat the transfer deadline. 

The Belgian striker had been a target for Frankfurt but his signing did not seem realistic as Galatasaray were demanding €8m for Batshuayi and the Bundesliga side would only have preferred a loan. A loan was not possible for the Turkish side, so it had to be a permanent deal. 

The opportunity arose for Frankfurt on Monday when the Istanbul side signed Alvaro Morata on loan from AC Milan. On top of this, Batshuayi was mainly sitting on the bench behind Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray. 

Frankfurt were in a race with Real Betis for the 31-year-old’s signature. To return to the Bundesliga, Batshuayi is taking a pay, while the transfer fee paid for the Belgian is €2m and could rise to €3.5m. The documents for the deal were uploaded to the FIFA portal website on the deadline and if there were any delays the transfer would have collapsed.

Batshuayi spent six months in the Bundesliga on loan at Borussia Dortmund. During his brief spell in Germany, the 31-year-old scored seven in 10 and was a fan favourite at the Signal Iduna Park.

At Frankfurt, following the departure of Omar Marmoush earlier in the window, Batshuayi will add experience and depth to a youthful attack as die Adler has had to rely on Hugo Ekitiké as winter signing Elye Wahi recovers from an injury. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan