Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt has emerged as a prime January target for Eintracht Frankfurt, according to German outlet BILD. The Bundesliga side are actively seeking reinforcements in defensive midfield, with Janelt high on their shortlist of options.
Eintracht sporting director Markus Krösche is leading the push and is said to know Janelt well, having previously tried to sign him during his time at Paderborn. That past connection could prove decisive in the coming months as Frankfurt weigh up whether to move in the winter window or wait until next summer, when Janelt’s contract situation may become more favourable.
Frankfurt’s interest in Janelt
With head coach Dino Toppmöller demanding greater depth, Frankfurt’s recruitment team have reached out to Janelt’s representatives to sound out interest. Our sources close to the player suggest the Brentford man would be willing to return to Germany, particularly given his familiarity with several players in the Frankfurt dressing room.
The 27-year-old’s current deal at Brentford runs until 2026, but he has found first-team minutes limited this season, one of the reasons is due to injury's that has hold him on the sideline throughout the whole month in August. In the 2025/26 campaign so far, Janelt has featured just three times in the Premier League, totalling only 86 minutes.
Player profile and valuation
A former Bochum midfielder, Janelt joined Brentford in 2020 and has been a steady performer across multiple campaigns. Known for his work rate, tactical discipline and ball-winning ability, he is regarded as a reliable number six — exactly the profile Frankfurt are prioritising in January.
According to Transfermarkt, his market valuation is around €20m, though a January fee could be considerably lower given his contract length and reduced role in Keith Andrews’s squad.
“Vitaly Janelt is an absolute top solution for Eintracht Frankfurt’s need in midfield,” reported *BILD*, stressing that negotiations remain at an early stage. — via BILD
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says the move makes sense for both sides:
“Janelt is at a crossroads. At 27, he needs regular football, and with Brentford limiting his minutes this season, a return to Germany could be perfect timing. Frankfurt’s style and Toppmöller’s need for a deeper midfielder align well with his skill set. The only question is whether Brentford are willing to weaken their squad in mid-season.”
Key Insights
- Eintracht Frankfurt have contacted Vitaly Janelt’s entourage about a move.
- Sporting director Markus Krösche has admired him since his Paderborn days.
- Brentford midfielder has just 86 minutes across three games this season.
- Valued at around €20m but could move for less in January.
- Contract runs until 2026, but playing time concerns could push a transfer.
What’s Next?
Eintracht Frankfurt are expected to continue monitoring Janelt’s situation at Brentford through October and November. If the midfielder’s role remains limited, a January bid could follow.
For Brentford, the decision will be whether to cash in now or risk holding until summer when the fee may be lower but squad depth becomes less pressing. With the Bees aiming to stabilise in the Premier League, letting an experienced midfielder leave mid-season would not be straightforward.
👉 Should Brentford cash in on Janelt in January, or keep hold of him until the summer despite limited minutes?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 9 Oct 2025 11:22
I believe he didnt play that much because he just came back from an injury?
By JamesLove 9 Oct 2025 11:26
That’s what the article States mate
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *