Eintracht Frankfurt are racing against the clock to resolve a goalkeeper crisis that has defined their pre-season, with the Bundesliga opener at Union Berlin on August 29 looming large. The situation crystallised after a catastrophic 0-7 pre-season defeat to Brentford, which exposed deep defensive frailties and forced coach Adi Hütter to abandon his previous stance on the position. Neither Kaua Santos, who made costly errors in that loss, nor Michael Zetterer convinced Hütter he had a reliable number one.

The latest reports indicate Zetterer is now edging toward a move to Leeds United, with kicker reporting that a weekend visit to the club shifted his thinking despite his agent's earlier denials. That development clears a path for Freiburg keeper Noah Atubolu, who has committed to joining Frankfurt after a turbulent summer in which a hoped-for Premier League move never materialised. Bild reports Atubolu wants to be in goal for the Union Berlin match, though a deal remains unfinished. Freiburg want at least 15 million euros, and a loan-to-buy structure is being discussed as a way to bridge the financial gap.

Off the pitch, Frankfurt confirmed striker Elye Wahi will return to OGC Nizza on loan, as the club announced on Monday, drawing a line under a 26-million-euro signing who scored just once in 25 appearances. With the squad still too large and transfers needed in defence and attack, sporting director Markus Krösche faces a demanding final week of the window before Frankfurt's season begins in earnest.