Eintracht Frankfurt have officially confirmed the departure of French youth international Jean-Mattéo Bahoya to Leeds United. The 21-year-old initially joins the Premier League club on loan for the 2026/27 campaign, but – precisely like the recently completed Hugo Larsson deal – the agreement contains a mandatory purchase clause. Sport Bild reports that Leeds will ultimately pay a guaranteed €30m to complete the permanent transfer.

The structure means Frankfurt have effectively secured Bahoya’s permanent departure even though the transfer is formally registered as a loan for the current season. Eintracht employed the same mechanism when completing Hugo Larsson’s transfer to Fulham earlier on deadline day.

Unlike a conventional purchase option, the permanent transfers of both Larsson and Bahoya are already contractually built into their respective agreements. Frankfurt will therefore realize the substantial transfer income at a later stage rather than receiving the full permanent fees immediately.

Frankfurt secure major return on Bahoya

Bahoya leaves Frankfurt after two-and-a-half years in Germany. Eintracht paid approximately €8m to sign the attacker from Angers SCO in January 2024. He subsequently developed into one of the club’s more valuable young assets, raising his estimated market value to €25m.

Bahoya made 78 competitive appearances for Frankfurt and scored seven goals. His most immediately identifiable weapon remained his exceptional acceleration. The Frenchman developed into one of the Bundesliga’s fastest players while gradually adding greater tactical responsibility and end product to his game.

Hull rejection precedes rapid Leeds agreement

Bahoya appeared close to moving to England even before Leeds entered the picture. Frankfurt had reached a verbal agreement with Hull City over a transfer during the final weekend of the window, only for Bahoya himself to reject the proposed move. That left his future unresolved heading into deadline day.

Leeds then moved quickly.

Statement on Bahoya’s Frankfurt departure

“Jean-Mattéo Bahoya developed very well at Eintracht Frankfurt and gradually worked his way toward the international level,” SGE sporting director Timmo Hardung noted in a club statement. “The move to Leeds now represents a new stage in his career. We thank him for his effort and commitment and wish him all the best for the future.”