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Noel Futkeu joins SV Elversberg on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt
The German attacker moves to the 2. Bundesliga side for the upcoming season.
SV Elversberg have moved to bolster their attacking options with the addition of Noel Futkeu, who arrives from Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.
The deal was confirmed on Thursday, with both clubs announcing the agreement for the duration of the season. Futkeu will wear the number nine shirt for his new side as they push for promotion in the 2. Bundesliga.
Eintracht Frankfurt confirmed that the loan includes an option for Elversberg to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign. The forward trained with his new teammates for the first time on Thursday morning, putting in extra work after the main session.
For Elversberg, the signing represents a statement of intent. The club finished mid-table last season but have been active in the market ahead of the new campaign. Futkeu's arrival adds depth to a attack that struggled with consistency in the latter half of 2025.
The player himself expressed his excitement about the opportunity. "I'm here to help the team achieve its goals," he said in his first interview as an Elversberg player. "The 2. Bundesliga is a tough league, but I believe in this project."
Futkeu came through the youth ranks at Eintracht Frankfurt but found first-team opportunities limited. He made seven appearances across all competitions for the Eagles last season, scoring once. His most memorable moment came in the DFB-Pokat second round, where he came off the bench to assist the winning goal against Augsburg.
His performances earned praise from Frankfurt's coaching staff, though the club decided it was best for his development to gain regular minutes elsewhere. The loan to Elversberg provides exactly that.
Elversberg sporting director Thomas Globig praised the acquisition. "Noel brings energy and technical ability to our squad," he said. "We've been tracking him for some time and believe he can make an impact in our system."
The move reunites Futkeu with head coach Markus Babbel, who previously worked with the player during his time with the Germany U23 team. Babbel has been vocal about wanting more creativity in the final third and believes Futkeu can provide that.
Elversberg's pre-season schedule includes fixtures against several Bundesliga sides, giving Futkeu ample opportunity to showcase his abilities. The team opens their 2. Bundesliga campaign at home against Hamburg next week.
The loan deal was finalized after several weeks of negotiations between the two clubs. Frankfurt retained a portion of the player's salary while Elversberg covered the remainder. No transfer fee was involved in the arrangement.
Futkeu is expected to make his competitive debut for Elversberg in their opening match against Hamburg. The club has indicated that he is in contention to start, pending his fitness in training over the coming days.
The player's agent confirmed that there were interest from other 2. Bundesliga clubs, but Elversberg's project and playing style ultimately swayed the decision. "Noel wanted guaranteed playing time, and Elversberg offered him that platform," the agent said.
Eintracht Frankfurt thanked Futkeu for his service and wished him well during his spell in the 2. Bundesliga. The club retains the player's registration and will monitor his progress throughout the season.
Futkeu becomes Elversberg's third signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of two defenders. The club is expected to pursue further additions before the closure of the transfer window next week.
The forward is familiar with the demands of German football, having spent his entire professional career in the Bundesliga system. His understanding of the tactical requirements should help him adapt quickly to Elversberg's style of play.
Elversberg supporters welcomed the news on social media, with many expressing optimism about the team's direction. The club's fanbase has grown increasingly vocal about wanting ambitious signings, and this move delivers on those expectations.
The loan arrangement includes provisions for the player to return to Frankfurt during the January transfer window if playing time does not meet agreed thresholds. Both clubs have kept the specific conditions of the deal confidential.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Futkeu can replicate his promising form from Frankfurt's reserves and translate that into consistent goal contributions for Elversberg. His first chance comes against Hamburg next week.