MY ACCOUNT
Randal Kolo Muani is one of the most sought-after strikers in European football after a breakthrough season with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Frenchman also showcased his talents at the 2022 World Cup and has performed superbly in the months following the tournament.
He made three appearances in Qatar for Didier Deschamps’ side, scoring off the bench in the 2-0 semi-final victory over Morocco.
We shine the spotlight on the centre forward, who is attracting interest from the Premier League, ahead of Saturday’s DFB-Pokal final against RB Leipzig.
Flying start
Kolo Muani, 24, has hit the ground running at Frankfurt after joining on a free transfer from Nantes, where he scored 23 times in 87 games, last summer.
The marksman’s debut Bundesliga campaign yielded 15 goals and 11 assists — the most direct involvements of any player in the division.
On top of that key output, the No9 has further shown his all-round capabilities by excelling in various other departments.
The France star leads the way in the Frankfurt squad for take-ons completed (71), big chances created (11) and shots on target (32).
And from a more defensive standpoint, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich was the only player in the German top flight this term to have won possession more times in the attacking third (32).
A striker who is such a complete package is a bit of a rarity even in the modern game — and a quality Leipzig outfit may struggle to contain him.
Frankfurt loyalty
It is no surprise that Kolo Muani’s numbers and performances have piqued the interest of Premier League clubs.
Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be in the race for his signature, with the former already holding talks over a potential deal this summer according to latest reports.
However, remaining in Frankfurt — where his contract runs until 2027 — looks the most likely outcome for the seven-cap international.
He said: “I could stay. I have a long contract and as a result there is, of course, the possibility that I could still be the striker for Eintracht.
“The millions can be a pressure, but there will be another time to say goodbye. Now is not the right time.”
Interested parties
Kolo Muani’s words will serve as a blow to United and Chelsea. They are each in need of a quality centre forward and the poacher’s skill set appears tailor-made for the combative nature of the Premier League.
The Red Devils cannot rely on Anthony Martial as their main man, while the Blues’ struggles in front of goal are made clear by the fact they scored only 38 times in the English top flight this term.
Kolo Muani may simply be trying to incite a bidding war for his services.
Although that could be a risky game with plenty of other quality strikers set to be on the market.
Euro 2024
Of course, Kolo Muani’s apparent reluctance to leave Frankfurt may stem from the fact that Euro 2024 is on the horizon.
Failure to adapt to the fast pace of English football would potentially see him drop out of France’s squad for the tournament, given the nation’s strength in attack.
But whether it is this summer or next, a goalscorer with such unquestionable talent will very likely be playing for a European giant before too long.
For now the striker’s focus will be on firing Frankfurt into the Europa League by winning the DFB-Pokal final.
