For love of his club: Is this Bundesliga star risking his career’s end? | OneFootball

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Doing pull-ups instead of hanging from the crossbar. Weights in hand instead of a ball after a successful save. It's suddenly a new situation for Kevin Trapp, the captain of Eintracht Frankfurt, who is suddenly facing an uncertain future. This summer, he must make perhaps the most important, yet also the most complicated decision of his career. He must decide how he wants to end it.

Will he stay with Eintracht Frankfurt at almost 35 years old? It wasn't really a question for a long time, as he has spent eleven years of his career here. According to 'Bild', his contract will extend until 2027 if he plays three more games in this Bundesliga season. But Kevin Trapp has to seriously ask himself if that's what he really wants.

Displaced by Kauã Santos

Because right now, there's a lot in favor of his competitor, if he weren't injured. Kauã Santos, at 22 years old, is significantly younger and could bring in a lot of money for SGE in a few years. With his saves, he played his way into the spotlight during Kevin Trapp's injury. Other clubs are reportedly interested, but the Hessians would only let their wonderkid go for a fee of 60 million euros, reports 'Sport Bild'.

A hell of a lot of money for a goalkeeper. But Markus Krösche has already proven how to sell players profitably, not just with Omar Marmoush. Santos could be the next golden boy.

For that, he needs playing time. Playing time that Kevin Trapp would also like to have in the coming season, and not just when Santos is injured. Currently, the Eintracht captain is handling the new role distribution confidently.

"I'm also sure that he (Coach Dino Toppmöller) will make the right decisions, and in the end, it's not about personal feelings, but about serving the team," he said during halftime of the 3-0 win against Heidenheim to 'DAZN'.

He also sees that, with the Brazilian, there is a serious competitor for the SGE goal for the first time in many years. Due to a cruciate ligament tear, he is now out for the time being. Maybe only until the start of the new season, maybe much longer.

Many uncertainties for Trapp

This makes the decision so complicated for Trapp. If he decides to stay in Frankfurt this summer, he might end up on the bench sooner or later. Kauã Santos is too promising. The chance for a big payday is too tempting.

The question is whether Trapp will end up on the bench in August or sometime later in the fall. However, it is clear that a role as number two is not an option for him: "As long as I'm fit, I want to be on the field," Trapp is quoted by 'fr.de'.

A job-sharing arrangement, like the one Bayern wants to do with Neuer and Urbig, will not happen. Trapp is "almost consumed by ambition," as Dino Toppmöller said in April before the game against Werder Bremen. At that time, the keeper had just returned to training. Before that, he had posted many photos on social media showing him in the gym. Perhaps to show potential new employers: "Look, I'm still fit"?

Given the situation, it would have been logical to look for a new club this summer for the last two or three years of his career. Santos' injury complicates this now. Eintracht, his Eintracht, actually needs Trapp to fill the gap. But for how long?

If Santos is fit again by the end of August, it might be too late for Trapp to find a suitable new employer. Especially a position like goalkeeper is usually filled at most clubs by the start of the season. The selection for Trapp would be significantly smaller.

But it would also be tempting to play in the Champions League with his SGE as a farewell, if Santos is out longer. One last highlight. And who knows, maybe he will fight for his starting spot for one more season, Trapp might think.

But what if not? Whether a club that appeals to Trapp will be looking for a new number one during the winter break is questionable. It would be highly risky, as the big deals and changes in clubs happen in the summer.

He also doesn't have time to wait. If he loses the duel with Kauã Santos, he would be 36 years old next year. There wouldn't be a huge market then. Is a career end on the bench looming? Or at a crisis club where Trapp can no longer compete for titles? Is that how he envisions his last years in professional football? Or should he draw a line in 2025 and move to a new club? As written, it's complicated.

Trapp can ponder all the possible options in the gym. And maybe, between pull-ups and weights, the perfect solution will emerge.

📸 ALEXANDRA BEIER - AFP or licensors