Eintracht Frankfurt search for Markus Krösche successor gathers pace as Johannes Spors emerges
Frankfurt move quickly as Johannes Spors joins shortlist
Eintracht Frankfurt's search for a successor to sporting executive Markus Krösche is gathering momentum, with Southampton sporting director Johannes Spors emerging as another candidate for the position. According to Kicker, Frankfurt have already established contact with the 44-year-old, who joins RB Leipzig's Marcel Schäfer and former Eintracht captain Christoph Spycher among the names being discussed.
Spors has been Southampton's sporting director since February 2025 and reports directly to club owner Dragan Solak. The German executive has previously worked with Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Hamburg in his native country, and has also held positions connected with clubs in Italy, Belgium, Australia, France and the Netherlands.
Supervisory board drives the process
Kicker reports that Frankfurt's supervisory board has been exploring potential successors for several weeks, with discussions already taking place before Krösche's departure was officially announced on Sunday evening. The three-member supervisory board executive committee, comprising Mathias Beck, Sven Janssen and Felix Wirmer, is responsible for overseeing the appointment. CEO Axel Hellmann is also expected to exert considerable influence, although the authority to appoint the successor ultimately rests with the supervisory board.
Other candidates
Leipzig managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer is reportedly being considered. His name had previously surfaced during Frankfurt's 2021 search for a successor to Fredi Bobic, as had that of former Eintracht defender Christoph Spycher. Spycher, currently working with Swiss club Young Boys, declined to comment on the latest speculation, and Swiss newspaper Blick reports that he intends to remain in Bern. Nürnberg sporting executive Joti Chatzialexiou told Kicker that he had not received an approach from Frankfurt.
Kicker reports that the club's leadership has effectively ruled out appointing an unattached candidate, meaning Frankfurt will likely have to negotiate compensation with another club to secure their preferred choice.
Wider changes expected
The uncertainty extends beyond the vacant board position. Sporting director Timmo Hardung's future remains unclear, while further changes could follow in Frankfurt's medical department and youth academy. The incoming executive is expected to begin work as quickly as possible, and Frankfurt intend to provide some financial resources for the January transfer window, with additional defensive reinforcements among the most pressing requirements.