Emotional Goodbyes: Burkhardt Heads to Frankfurt from Mainz - Heart-wrenching farewells in progress...
Jonathan Burkardt's move from 1. FSV Mainz 05 to Eintracht Frankfurt is on the brink of completion, with all parties reaching a full agreement. The transfer fee is reported to be up to €23 million, including potential bonuses, following negotiations that saw Mainz initially demand around €30 million and Eintracht offering less, but eventually settling in this range[1][2][3].
The 24-year-old striker, who impressed last season by scoring 18 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances for Mainz, has agreed to a five-year contract running until 2030, earning a salary of over €2.5 million annually, plus bonuses[1][2][3][4].
The acquisition strengthens Eintracht Frankfurt as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League campaign[1][2]. Burkardt's performances earned him a place in the national team, making his debut under coach Julian Nagelsmann in October 2022.
Regarding the broader transfer context, the deal appears linked to Eintracht Frankfurt’s attempts to manage their squad and finances strategically. Mainz’s sporting director expressed that they want the transfer fee to reflect Burkardt’s true value. Meanwhile, Frankfurt's sporting director is insisting on a high transfer fee—around €100 million—for star striker Hugo Ekitiké, who is attracting interest from top clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool. This suggests Burkardt's move could be part of a chain of transfers involving Frankfurt’s key players[4].
Burkardt, who has been a fan of Eintracht Frankfurt since childhood, announced his farewell to Mainz fans, stating that his football journey in Mainz has ended[5]. Media reports suggest that Burkardt's move could pave the way for Hugo Ekitiké’s departure from Frankfurt[6].
Mainz could potentially replace Burkardt with one of their own players, 20-year-old Nelson Weiper, who was a standout at the U21 European Championship and scored four goals in the tournament[7]. Burkardt impressed with his goal-scoring rate and tireless running during his time at Mainz, playing a crucial role in Mainz qualifying for the Conference League playoffs last season[8].
This transfer marks a significant step up for Burkardt, moving to a Champions League club and joining a squad with ambitions in both domestic and European competitions[1][2][3][4].
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Transfer Fee | Up to €23 million (including bonuses) | | Contract Duration | Until 2030 (5 years) | | Salary | Over €2.5 million per year (plus bonuses) | | Player Age | 24 years | | Last Season Performance | 18 goals in 29 Bundesliga matches | | Strategic Impact | Connected to Frankfurt’s squad and transfer plans, especially regarding Hugo Ekitiké’s potential departure |
[1] Bundesliga.com [2] Sky Sports [3] Goal.com [4] ESPN [5] Mainz 05 official website [6] Frankfurt Echo [7] UEFA.com [8] Mainz 05 official website
The community may find this significant, as Jonathan Burkardt's move from Mainz 05 to Eintracht Frankfurt involves a transfer fee up to €23 million, aligning him with sports like football, such as the upcoming Champions League. His departure could potentially be followed by Hugo Ekitiké, as media reports suggest, and Mainz may consider replacing Burkardt with an emerging talent like Nelson Weiper.
Despite his departure, Burkardt's performances last season earned him a place in the national team, and he is now set to join a team with ambitions in both domestic and European competitions, such as sports-analysis, which suggest a successful future in the high-profile club environment.
