FC Köln and Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly reached an agreement for the transfer of Ellyes Skhiri back to his former club, reigniting a move that seemed unlikely just weeks ago. The two Bundesliga teams have settled the terms for the 31-year-old midfielder. The primary sticking point is Skhiri's salary expectations. Köln is reportedly prepared to offer the Tunisian international around €1.5 million annually. Skhiri is currently among Frankfurt's higher earners and has yet to accept the proposed figures.

Earlier in July, it was reported that Skhiri had been given permission to negotiate his departure from Eintracht Frankfurt. The midfielder was left out of Adi Hütter's training camp squad after being informed he was no longer a key part of the club's future plans. A return to Köln initially seemed a logical choice but later appeared to be off the table.

During Köln's pursuit of Wolfsburg midfielder Vinicius Souza, it was understood that Skhiri was no longer being considered by Köln. The club had decided to look for other midfield options. This position was further reinforced when interest from Sevilla in Skhiri emerged, at which point Köln was believed to have completely abandoned their pursuit.

Salary Remains the Obstacle to Ellyes Skhiri's Cologne Reunion

Skhiri's return would address a clear need in Köln's midfield. Currently, Tom Krauß, Ísak Jóhannesson, and new signing Paul Okon-Engstler are the main central midfield options for coach René Wagner. The veteran player is very familiar with the club. Skhiri joined Köln from Montpellier for approximately €6 million in 2019 and became one of their most crucial players. He played 133 competitive matches for the club, contributing to 28 goals, before moving to Frankfurt on a free transfer in 2023.

Since then, Skhiri has made 117 appearances for Eintracht, although his role diminished last season. The arrivals of Raphael Onyedika and Noël Aséko have further limited his opportunities under Hütter. Skhiri is also entering the final year of his contract with Eintracht. The club is keen to get a transfer fee for the 86-time international, whose estimated market value remains €5 million. While the clubs have agreed on the transfer terms, Skhiri will need to lower his salary expectations to make the move happen.

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English Translation:

Ellyes Skhiri's Return to Cologne Back On, But Salary Demands Hold Up Transfer

Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly reached an agreement over the transfer of Ellyes Skhiri back to his old Bundesliga club, dramatically reviving a return that appeared to have been abandoned only weeks ago. Reports indicate that the two Bundesliga clubs have settled the terms of a deal for the 31-year-old midfielder. The remaining obstacle is Skhiri’s salary demand. Cologne are reportedly prepared to offer the Tunisia international approximately €1.5m per year. Skhiri currently ranks among Frankfurt’s higher earners and has yet to accept the proposed terms.

It was reported in late July that Skhiri had been granted permission to negotiate a departure from Eintracht Frankfurt. The midfielder was omitted from Adi Hütter’s training-camp squad after being informed that he no longer featured prominently in the club’s plans. A return to Köln initially appeared one of the most logical solutions. That option subsequently seemed dead, however.

Reports during Köln’s pursuit of Wolfsburg midfielder Vinicius Souza suggested that Skhiri was no longer considered an option at the RheinEnergieStadion. Köln had elected to explore alternative solutions for René Wagner’s midfield instead. That position was reinforced again only recently when Sevilla’s emerging interest in Skhiri was covered. At that stage, Köln were understood to have dropped their pursuit entirely.

Salary Remains Obstacle to Ellyes Skhiri Cologne Reunion

Skhiri’s return would address an obvious need in Köln’s midfield, where Tom Krauß, Ísak Jóhannesson and summer signing Paul Okon-Engstler currently represent Wagner’s main central options. The veteran already knows the club exceptionally well. Skhiri joined Köln from Montpellier for approximately €6m in 2019 and developed into one of their most important players. He made 133 competitive appearances for the club and contributed to 28 goals before departing for Frankfurt on a free transfer in 2023.

Skhiri has since made 117 appearances for Eintracht, although his role declined last season. The additions of Raphael Onyedika and Noël Aséko have further reduced his prospects under Hütter. Skhiri also enters the final year of his SGE contract. The RheinMainAdler remain eager to cash in on the 86-times-capped international, who still maintains a €5m estimated market value. The two clubs have ironed out the terms of the transfer. Skhiri will still have to lower his salary expectations in order to facilitate the move.