Eintracht Frankfurt’s hopes of offloading Croatian center-back Hrvoje Smolčić have hit a roadblock after the 24-year-old failed a medical at Belgian side RSC Anderlecht. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, recurring knee problems were identified during medical checks, ultimately leading Anderlecht to withdraw from the deal.
Smolčić had just returned to Frankfurt after a productive loan spell at Austrian outfit LASK Linz, where he made 21 league appearances and contributed three goals. Despite flashes of strong form, injury concerns lingered throughout the season, forcing him to miss several key fixtures and limiting his availability down the stretch. He started only three of LASK’s final eight matches due to persistent knee troubles.
These same concerns now appear to be a major obstacle in his career trajectory. Smolčić’s injury issues are not new to Eintracht Frankfurt either—he featured in just 11 Bundesliga games during the 2023/24 campaign. Once considered a rising defensive talent after coming through the ranks at HNK Rijeka and representing Croatia at U21 level, his progress has been hampered by repeated fitness setbacks.
Eintracht, who reportedly had Smolčić on their transfer “strike list,” will now have to reconsider their plans for the defender. With a contract running until 2027 and a declining market value—now estimated at €2 million—finding a new club for the injury-plagued center-back may prove increasingly difficult.
The failed transfer is a frustrating development for all parties involved. Anderlecht must resume their search for defensive reinforcements, while Smolčić faces an uncertain future in Frankfurt as he looks to regain full fitness and revive his once-promising career.
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