Frankfurt's €5m gamble on Anton Gaaei aims to revive European hopes

Eintracht Frankfurt have lodged an opening €5 million bid for Ajax defender Anton Gaaei, 23, according to a report by Florian Plettenberg. The German side, known as Die Adler, aim to secure the Denmark international on a five‑year contract that would run to 2031, pending Ajax’s response.

Die Adler recently re‑appointed Adi Hütter as head coach, tasking him with restoring European competition to the Deutsche Bank Park after the club failed to qualify under Albert Riera. With Rasmus Kristensen’s €6 million move to Midtjylland leaving a vacancy at right‑back, Frankfurt have turned to fellow Dane Gaaei to fill the gap. Restoring European football is seen as vital for the club’s financial and sporting growth.

Gaaei, a Denmark international, featured in 37 matches across all competitions for Ajax in the Eredivisie last season. During his three‑year spell at Ajax he amassed 111 appearances, scored seven goals and delivered 13 assists after joining from Viborg in August 2023 for €4.5 million.

Ajax have not yet replied to Frankfurt’s opening approach, while the Danish right‑back has reportedly agreed to a five‑year deal that would keep him at the German club until 2031. If the transfer materialises, Frankfurt would add a young, versatile defender to a squad seeking to re‑enter European tournaments.

For Frankfurt, securing Gaaei could bolster the defence and help achieve the European qualification goal set by Hütter. Ajax, meanwhile, stand to receive a further fee on top of the €4.5 million they originally paid, while freeing a squad spot. The details were reported by Daniel Pinder.