Marseille striker Elye Wahi is reportedly close to completing a move to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, as per Foot Mercato. The France U21 international, who has drawn interest from Premier League clubs like West Ham United and Bournemouth, appears set to make the switch to Germany in a permanent deal.
Details of the Transfer
Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille are said to be nearing an agreement for the transfer of Wahi. The deal is expected to be worth around €25 million, matching the fee Marseille paid for him last summer. Wahi is also reported to have agreed on personal terms with the German club, with RMC Sport confirming that negotiations are in the final stages.
This move would mark Wahi’s third club in just two seasons. After his breakout performances at Montpellier, Wahi joined RC Lens in a €30 million deal. He then moved to Marseille for a similar fee, including €5 million in performance-related bonuses.
Wahi’s Struggles at Marseille
Despite his potential, Wahi struggled to secure a regular starting role under Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, who preferred Neal Maupay to lead the attack. In 13 appearances for Les Phocéens, Wahi managed just three goals and one assist, often playing a peripheral role in the squad.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Motivation
The impending move comes after Eintracht Frankfurt sold their star forward Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for a staggering €80 million. With fresh funds available, manager Dino Töppmoller is keen to reinvest in a reliable replacement for the prolific Egyptian striker.
Wahi’s signing is seen as a strategic move to fill the void left by Marmoush and bolster Eintracht’s attacking options. His youth and potential make him a promising addition to the Bundesliga side.
What’s Next for Marseille?
Marseille were initially hesitant to part ways with Wahi so soon after his arrival. However, Eintracht’s substantial offer has changed their stance. The Ligue 1 club is now expected to search the market for a new center-forward to strengthen their attack.
Conclusion
Elye Wahi’s transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt represents a significant opportunity for the 22-year-old to revitalize his career after a challenging stint at Marseille. For Frankfurt, the signing is a statement of intent as they look to maintain their competitive edge following Marmoush’s departure. Meanwhile, Marseille will need to act quickly to find a suitable replacement as they navigate the remainder of the season.
