Eintracht Frankfurt are renowed for their firm stance on deals amid Hugo Ekitike talks
Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and (inset) Randal Kolo Muani
Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and (inset) Randal Kolo Muani
If recent history tells us anything, it's that Eintracht Frankfurt are tough negotiators when it comes to transfers. The Bundlesiga club are no strangers to big-money deals in recent years, and are famed for their tough stance.
Newcastle United are locked in talks with Frankfurt chiefs over Hugo Ekitike, with the Magpies' first offer for the French striker rejected.
The German side value Ekitike at €100m with United looking to complete the deal for a lower price with the prospect of add-ons and clauses as part of the negotiations.
However, while there is optimism that a deal can be struck, Frankfurt have a history of sticking to their guns when it comes to exits.
They have seen some big-money departures in recent years, with Omar Marmoush moving to Manchester City in January for €75m, Luka Jovic heading to Real Madrid in 2020 for €63m and Sebastian Haller making the switch to West Ham for €50m in the same window.
However it is the negotiations for Randal Kolo Muani in 2023 which catch the eye when it comes to Frankfurt's hardball tactics.
Paris Saint-Germain were desperate to bring the forward back to his native France after he impressed in the Bundesliga. He scored 26 times in 50 appearances for Frankfurt, and PSG made him their No 1 transfer target.
Like Ekitike, Frankfurt valued Kolo Muani at €100m and rejected PSG's early bids of around €80m, with the player even refusing to train in an attempt to force the move through.
Randal Kolo Muani
Randal Kolo Muani was considered by Manchester United as a January signing (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
That didn't alter their stance, though, with Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche saying at the time: "This behaviour has no influence on transfer business.
"This isn't the Randal we've got to know and we know his real character. He's being bombarded at the moment and the result is this reaction, which is wrong, as we've made clear to him and his entourage along with all the ramifications."
Of course there is no suggestion that Ekitike will follow a similar path, with the striker telling team-mate Timothy Chandler that he is fully focused on pre-season with the German club.
However, while Kolo Muani did eventually move to PSG, the fee agreed was a reported €95m, just a fraction under their original valuation.
Ironically, Ekitike moved in the opposite direction as they replaced him with the French striker. Now in 2025 they face a similar situation - but don't expect them to cave.