Paris Saint-Germain’s deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani has fallen through, with the Germans unable to secure a replacement, BILD reports.
It was reported earlier today that both clubs have finally reached an agreement over a suitable transfer fee after a series of back-and-forth negotiations throughout the summer.
Frankfurt have been demanding at least €100 million to cut Kolo Muani loose following an impressive debut campaign at Deutsche Bank Park.
However, PSG managed to knock their valuation down to €90m and agreed to fork out an initial €80m with a further €10m to be paid in performance-related bonuses.
Having shaken hands with their German counterparts on the structure of the deal, Kolo Muani was expected to complete his medicals ahead of signing a long-term contract with the French champions.
However, it appears his long-anticipated return to his homeland will be further delayed, with Frankfurt reluctant to green-light the transfer, having failed to secure a replacement.
PSG had initially tried to use Hugo Ekitike as a makeweight to lower Kolo Muani’s price tag, but Frankfurt rebuffed that approach – although they had an interest in landing his signature.
A separate deal worth €35m was reportedly agreed between both clubs for Ekitike, but the striker failed to agree personal terms with the Germans, and the deal fell through.
While both parties were open to a deal, Ekitike’s €8m a year wages proved too much for Frankfurt to handle, and the striker was in no mood to lower his salary to facilitate a transfer.
Frankfurt have since struggled to find another striker to replace Kolo Muani, hence their decision to throw a wrench in PSG’s summer plans.
It remains to be seen if both parties will come to an agreement that will see Kolo Muani complete his move to the French capital before the deadline.
However, with Kolo Muani now set to stay in Frankfurt, it could scupper Crystal Palace’s chances of signing Ekitike, with the Eagles already launching a loan proposal to wrap up a deal.
