Hero, bogeyman, hero again
Kostic inspires Eintracht’s miracle dream
By Heiko Lütkehus
5/5/2022, 5:13 p.m
Before the semi-final second leg in the Europa League against West Ham United, Eintracht Frankfurt’s hopes rest on Filip Kostic. Still notorious as a strike professional in the summer, he has made a remarkable development. But how much longer can fans enjoy him?
When the miracle of Barcelona was accomplished, Filip Kostic’s celebrations could not be stopped. The Frankfurt double goal scorer fervently hoisted the Eintracht jersey and was celebrated by the curve. Rightly so, after all, the left-footed player had once again proven in the 3-2 coup at the Camp Nou that he could take the whole team to a higher level. After ten appearances in the Europa League, Kostic has already contributed to eight goals (three goals, five assists).
And although the rail player in the following semi-final at West Ham United (2: 1) did not score a point, the English should focus on that before the reunion on the Main this Thursday evening (from 9 p.m. LIVE on RTL and in the ticker on ntv.de). stop Kostic’s advances. The Londoners can ask the big and stumbled FC Barcelona how dangerous it is to let Frankfurt’s difference player pick up speed.
For Eintracht’s sporting leadership, Kostic’s glittering Europa League appearances are confirmation of their headline-grabbing decision not to allow the international to move to Italy last summer. Kostic had tried to force a transfer to Lazio Rome by strike. The result was a brief ban from the squad, and the fans were also upset. Coach Oliver Glasner pardoned his protégé after a short time – and Kostic repaid the trust with top performances. He wanted to come back “even stronger and more motivated,” he announced after the fuss about his person. Said and done.
“The price didn’t suit us!”
In an interview with “Kicker”, Frankfurt’s supervisory board chairman Philip Holzer recently confirmed how important the club’s clear stance was in the course of the farce. “It was very important last summer that we said ‘no’ to Filip Kostic when he was courted and a change from him was discussed. The price didn’t suit us,” revealed the official. According to reports, Lazio had offered ten million euros plus bonuses of up to two million euros for the Serbs – apparently too little for the Hessian bosses.
In a few weeks, however, the transfer issue could boil up again, after all, Kostic’s current working paper expires in 2023. If Eintracht wants to get a decent transfer fee, a sale in the summer would have to be discussed. With Inter Milan, a first interested party has positioned itself. According to “Sky”, Kostic’s Italian consulting agency WSA has already had “intensive talks” with those responsible for the Nerazzurri. Kostic could sign a four-year contract with the Serie A giants and net five million euros a year.
Financial dimensions that seem light years away for the SGE despite its fairytale trip to Europe. According to “Sport Bild” information, the club expects a loss of up to 30 million euros this year, so radical austerity measures are necessary. Also means: Eintracht cannot afford an almost equal offer for Kostic.
Especially since not only Inter is courting the winger: It was only in winter that the nouveau riche Premier League representative Newcastle United flashed an offer to Kostic. Allegedly, the Magpies want to try again soon with the 29-year-old. With a total package of 14 million euros plus four million euros in bonus payments, Frankfurt could become weak, writes “Sky”. There are therefore some indications that Filip Kostic and the Eintracht Frankfurt fans will not be able to celebrate together for much longer.
Getting into the final of the Europa League would certainly be a great parting gift. And who knows: If the SBU actually wins the competition and moves into the premier class, the Kostic cause could also take a spectacular turn – for Eintracht.