Opinions & Analysis

Kolo Muani’s dream year at Eintracht: Juve’s starting point

Published

1 year ago

January 19, 2025

Kolo Muani who arrived for free was sold for almost triple digit millions of euros. Goals, assists, and incredible plays.

A year and a half ago, Kolo Muani transfered to PSG for a fee not far from 100 million euros. A 100M€ valuation that, viewed today, in light of a player being loaned out in January. Is clearly reevaluated, even considering the 11 goals scored in 18 months.

A number in stark contrast to the balance of the 2022/23 season. The only one spent in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, but which was the decisive springboard to launch his career. Leading him to take a significant chance with Juventus. A chance for revival, perhaps, for the first time. In a path that had been a steady ascent, until finding a surge in Hesse.

Kolo Muani and Eintracht, love at first sight

In the summer of 2022, sports director Markus Krösche found himself building a team capable of competing in the Champions League. A surprising yet deserved achievement.

However, in the preceding months, he had already given himself the first ‘gift’. Kolo Muani, coming off two excellent seasons with Nantes in Ligue 1 and at 24, seeking a step up. In an environment where the history of strikers has seen many move for millions to high-profile destinations. the Frenchman simply … joined the line.

And to think that at the beginning, he wasn’t even a starter in Oliver Glasner’s plans. This was also because the brilliant trio from the previous year that had won the Europa League. Consisting of Kamada, Lindström, and Borré, remained ‘intact’ in the squad. And Glasner wanted to build on that, with the desire to gradually include Mario Götze as well.

And Randal? He started as a luxury alternative. The beginning, in fact, wasn’t ideal. In his Bundesliga debut, his team was destroyed by Bayern, conceding five goals in the first half of the match.

The 1998-born player came on at halftime and made an impact as best he could. Even scoring his very first goal after stealing the ball from Neuer with a solo pressure that seemed futile. But instead, it left quite a mark.

Randal in the best XI of the year in Bundesliga

The 1.87-metre forward has made 28 starts across the 31 Bundesliga matchdays so far in that season. With one additional appearance off the bench.

He was second in the division both for goals scored (13) and assists (10). With a top speed of 35.97 km/h, Kolo Muani was the eighth-fastest player in Germany’s top flight this term.