Eintracht Frankfurt have officially confirmed the departure of Belgian international Arthur Theate to Serie A side Bologna. The 26-year-old returns to his former club on an initial season-long loan through June 2027. Bologna have also secured a purchase option as part of the agreement. Kicker reports that Frankfurt will receive a €1m loan fee, while the permanent purchase option is widely reported to be worth approximately €15m.
The move had been expected. Get German Football Newsreported on Friday that Bologna had reached a full agreement with Frankfurt for Theate, with the Belgian already cleared to complete his medical. Theate had also been omitted from Adi Hütter’s squad for Frankfurt’s opening-round DFB-Pokal victory over SC St. Tönis, providing a clear indication that he no longer figured prominently in the returning head coach’s plans.
The defender originally joined Frankfurt on loan from Stade Rennes in the summer of 2024 before the Bundesliga club activated a purchase option worth approximately €13m. He leaves after 75 competitive appearances across all competitions, including 55 in the Bundesliga.
Theate’s departure further thins Frankfurt’s central defensive options. Robin Koch and summer signing Otávio are currently the only fit natural centre-backs in the senior squad, with Nnamdi Collins sidelined through injury.
Frankfurt have consequently been working on the acquisition of Rennes defender Lilian Brassier as part of their ongoing defensive restructuring.
Statement on Arthur Theate’s departure
“We thank Arthur for the past two years and for his commitment in an Eintracht Frankfurt shirt,” sporting director Timmo Hardung said. “He quickly developed into an important part of our team. We wish him all the best, personally and professionally, for his future in Bologna.”
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