Eintracht Frankfurt are building momentum ahead of the new Bundesliga season, with Adi Hütter's return as head coach giving the club renewed direction after a turbulent year. A commanding 5-1 friendly win over city rivals FSV Frankfurt on Wednesday evening, played in Dreieich, was the clearest sign yet that preparations are going well. The result sets up a final pre-season test at Premier League side Brentford on Saturday before competitive football begins.

Hütter's influence is already visible in how he is reshaping the squad. He has publicly blocked a summer exit for right-back Elias Baum, shutting down reported interest from Borussia Dortmund by insisting the 20-year-old academy product will stay and compete for a starting role. Baum has featured consistently in pre-season, and Hütter's backing represents a significant vote of confidence in a player who managed just 71 minutes of football last season under previous coaches.

The striker situation remains the most pressing unresolved issue. According to Bild, as reported by GOAL, Hütter wants experienced, vocal leaders up front and has identified Ermedin Demirovic of Stuttgart as a target. That move looks difficult, with Demirovic contracted until 2028 and publicly committed to the club. A permanent deal for on-loan Arnaud Kalimuendo is also being considered. Several forwards including Elye Wahi, Jessic Ngankam, and Michy Batshuayi are expected to leave before the window closes.

Off the pitch, CEO Axel Hellmann drew attention with a pointed public attack on FIFA over governance concerns. Frankfurt open their Bundesliga campaign away at Union Berlin on August 29.