The 50-year-old will leave the 2. Bundesliga side to take responsibility for Frankfurt’s sporting operations and transfer strategy. The appointment was confirmed by Eintracht on Saturday, with Chatzialexiou signing a contract running until the summer of 2030.
Eintracht Frankfurt have activated a release clause included in his Nürnberg contract, allowing the club to secure his services for a fee below €500,000. Chatzialexiou is expected to earn around €1 million per year in his new position, according to reports.
His move to the Bundesliga is not expected to take effect immediately. The agreement currently sets February 1, 2027 as his starting date, meaning he is unlikely to oversee Frankfurt’s winter transfer business. However, an earlier departure from Nürnberg has not been completely ruled out if the clubs can reach an agreement.
Chatzialexiou has been working at Nürnberg since May 2024 and had only recently extended his contract with the Franconian club. His work there, including his involvement in appointing Miroslav Klose as head coach, helped establish his reputation as a sporting executive.
The appointment also represents a return to familiar surroundings. Born in Frankfurt, Chatzialexiou previously worked with Eintracht’s youth teams before moving into senior football administration. He also held several positions at the German Football Association, including a period as sporting director of the national teams.
Frankfurt had been searching for a replacement after Krösche’s departure, with Chatzialexiou emerging as a leading candidate during the process. His knowledge of the club, experience in recruitment and background in youth development were important factors in the decision.
The new sporting director will now prepare to take charge of Frankfurt’s long-term squad planning, although the precise timing of his arrival remains the only outstanding issue surrounding the transition.