Forget Fermin and Yildiz: €22m wonderkid should be Chelsea's next signing

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Sept 2025 16:48 BST
• 5 min read

Analysis

Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Can Uzun has started promisingly in what is shaping up to be his big breakout season in the Bundesliga.

The 19-year-old, already capped three times by Turkey, has scored in each of Frankfurt's three Bundesliga games this season, while also providing a pair of assists on opening day.

Uzun joined the Eagles in summer 2024 after a standout campaign for Nurnberg in the 2. Bundesliga, in which he netted 19 goals across all competitions.

Current ETV

Can Uzun

AM, M (C)

E. Frankfurt

Can Uzun

AM, M (C)

E. Frankfurt

€22M

ETV Range

€19.8M - €24.2M

View full profile

His first season at Frankfurt was one of acclimatisation and learning. Uzun was the understudy of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike, which meant that he was primarily a substitute. He still managed to score five goals and provide three assists in just over 1000 minutes.

This term, Uzun is the heartbeat of Frankfurt's attack. Playing off a more traditional No.9 similar to Marmoush last year, the Turkish youngster is pulling the strings in one of the Bundesliga's most exciting frontlines.

Uzun set for a stunning campaign

If he manages to stay injury-free, Uzun is likely to become Frankfurt's next superstar this season, which will have club boss Markus Krosche already licking his lips looking ahead to next summer.

The German side have made a habit of refining attacking talent and selling it on for massive profits. Marmoush, Ekitike, Randal Kolo Muani, Andre Silva, Luka Jovic and Sebastian Haller have all fetched handsome fees in recent years.

Knowing that he would play a big role in Dino Toppmoller's system this season, Uzun skipped his customary holiday over the summer and instead got right down to business with a personal trainer in his hometown of Regensburg to get himself into ideal shape for the new campaign.

Incidentally, Uzun hails from the same city as compatriot Kenan Yildiz, who was also born in Regensburg. Although the latter is more of a winger, the two are similar players, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Yildiz's suitors are looking at Uzun as a potentially more attainable alternative.

Yildiz is the face of Juventus and is set to be handed a bumper new deal to fend off interest, primarily from Chelsea. In addition to the Turkey international, the Blues also tried and failed to sign Fermin Lopez this summer.

They ultimately had to resort to bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan as something of a last resort, so they are likely to dip into the market for a creative attacker again next year.

Could Uzun be that man? Perhaps. It seems almost inevitable that the youngster will be linked with the Blues at some point this season. Data analytics firm SciSports believes that he has the potential to become a regular for Chelsea.

Barcelona reportedly slapped a price tag of at least €70 million on Fermin, while Yildiz is being rated at over €100m by Juventus. Uzun, with a current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €22m would represent a more affordable option, although Frankfurt would, of course, demand top dollar for the wonderkid, as they always do.

Still, with Fermin showing no signs of wanting to leave Catalunya and Yildiz the 'poster boy' of Juventus, Uzun could be an ideal alternative for Chelsea in 2026 if he manages to keep up his current form.

Football transfer news headlines today

OFFICIAL: Arsenal complete signing of 19-year-old wonderkid

Arsenal issue Saliba Real Madrid DEADLINE, Fabrizio Romano reveals

Noni Madueke matches Eden Hazard as Chelsea RUE major transfer blunder

Man Utd stars 'perplexed' by Kobbie Mainoo stance as rivals eye shock January move

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store