Adi Hutter
Adi Hutter
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Young attackers linked with Premier League moves can find their progress interrupted when managers demand greater work off the ball. A player who started the season strongly can still face public criticism if consistency drops and defensive contribution is questioned. Those comments have now surfaced at Eintracht Frankfurt just as interest from Arsenal has been reported.
The 20-year-old Turkey international joined the Bundesliga club in 2024 after a productive spell in the second tier. He scored in five consecutive league games early in the previous campaign, yet form later dipped and he received similar feedback from a previous coach. The latest remarks follow a decision to leave him on the bench.
Frankfurt set a high valuation in the summer that deterred potential buyers. Recent changes in the club’s sporting structure could influence how that figure is handled if the relationship cools further. Arsenal’s reported contact with his representatives places the situation under closer scrutiny.
Can Uzun has emerged on Arsenal’s radar, but the wonderkid has been warned that he still has a long way to go before he can reach the level of the Gunners. For the second year running, the Turkey international has enjoyed a solid start to the season. He scored in five consecutive Bundesliga games to start 2025/26 and this term has four goals and three assists after six matches, though those contributions came in only two games.
Just like last year, things appear to be turning sour. Uzun’s form dropped off previously and, after a coaching change, he found himself on the outside looking in and received public criticism from new boss Albert Riera. The Spaniard was later sacked and replaced by Adi Hutter. History now seems to be repeating itself.
Can Uzun
Can Uzun
After starting every game under Hutter, Uzun was benched against Koln last Friday and remained an unused substitute in a 1-0 win. When quizzed about Uzun, Hutter said: “The sooner Can understands that football is also a team sport where he can contribute his skills, the greater the career he will have. If he doesn’t realise this, he might end up being his own worst enemy.” He added: “I also expect consistency, and that he shows the abilities he has during the week [in training] and in the games.”
Riera had previously said: “He knows what to do with and without the ball. If he brings that to the team, then he’ll play. That applies to all the players. The reason some don’t play is that you can be great with the ball, but not good without it. With Albert, you won’t play if you’re not good enough. I’m very clear about that. I want complete players. They have to fulfil both roles.”
Uzun works best as a withdrawn forward or No.10, yet has been used more as a left-winger this season, which may explain the inconsistent output. Defensive contribution remains the clear area of concern. Earlier this week the Turkish sensation was linked with Arsenal, with the Gunners said to have made contact with his agency, which also represents Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi.
Frankfurt were clear in the summer that Uzun would only be allowed to leave for €60m. Galatasaray wanted him but could not justify the fee. That price tag remains, though Markus Krosche has left his position as director of football. Uzun and Frankfurt appear to be becoming an unhappy marriage, so a transfer in 2027 cannot be ruled out if the issues persist. Mikel Arteta would not tolerate a forward who does not pull his weight defensively.