Go, Jonny, go!

Only once before have Mainz ended up higher in the Bundesliga than they did last season, with a sixth-placed finish securing them a return to European football for the first time in eight years. While qualification for the UEFA Conference League was celebrated, there was likely a twinge of disappointment that the 05ers didn’t book a spot in the UEFA Champions League, having been in the top four as late as Matchday 29.

Had captain Burkardt not missed five games – three of which ended in defeat for Die Nullfünfer – Bo Henriksen’s outfit could well be playing amongst the continent’s elite this coming campaign. However, Burkardt's 18 goals in the 29 Bundesliga matches he did play were crucial to Mainz’s success, and the loss of their all-time highest Bundesliga goalscorer will undoubtedly be Frankfurt’s gain in 2025/26.

Eintracht’s 2024/25 season was, for the most part, a story of two strikers. Between them, Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitiké scored 30 goals in the Bundesliga, almost half of Frankfurt’s 68-strike total. Marmoush's departure for Manchester City in January meant the duo’s goal contribution to Frankfurt did not surpass the 50 percent mark that it probably otherwise would have done.

Neither of them, though, was statistically as important to their team as Burkardt was to Mainz, with the skipper scoring a league-leading 33 per cent of his team’s Bundesliga efforts. On top of that, 10 of his goals either gave his team the lead or levelled the scoreline, showcasing his ability to make the difference in vital moments.

Watch: All of Jonathan Burkardt's 2024/25 Bundesliga goals

As Marmoush departed midway through the term, Ekitiké was Frankfurt’s constant attacking threat, and his future at the club is not by any means certain – sporting director Markus Krösche said as much in May, stating the Frenchman “has to decide” what he wants to do moving forward. Burkardt, therefore, could be a potential replacement, but he does possess a very different profile.

Ekitiké was not only dangerous in front of goal, but was also an essential part of Eintracht’s build-up. He provided eight assists and created 43 chances throughout the campaign – a stark contrast to Burkardt’s two and 22 respectively for Mainz, albeit in four fewer matches.

While Burkardt tends to keep himself in and around the penalty area, Ekitiké can be seen floating to the flanks, looking to provide options and create opportunities himself. Meanwhile, Burkardt touched the ball only 34 times per 90 minutes last term – the lowest amongst his teammates.

Instead, though, Burkardt has qualities that would give Frankfurt an extra edge, especially if Ekitiké remains at Deutsche Bank Park. The ex-Mainz man needed just 79 shots for his 18 Bundesliga goals, while Ekitiké fired off 111 as he netted 15.

Burkardt wasn’t just more efficient than his new teammate. Of the top 10 Bundesliga goalscorers in 2024/25, only Patrik Schick (three) needed fewer shots per goal than Burkardt (four).

Additionally, Frankfurt’s incoming striker also provides a deceptive aerial threat. He stands at just 5’9”, yet 20 percent (eight) of his 41 Bundesliga goals have come with his head, including three last term.

His leadership skills could also be crucial for one of the youngest squads in the Bundesliga. Being given the armband at Mainz by Henriksen 12 months ago appeared to spur the striker on even more, with his presence and vocality pushing Mainz further than they would have previously contemplated.

Henriksen’s appraisal of Burkardt last September following a match-winning display against Augsburg goes a long way to underlining the kind of player and person Frankfurt have acquired.

“This time, he was incredibly important because he also ran a lot to defend,” the Dane said. “What a man, what a player, I'm proud. He is of course also a leader for us. A player we always trust. He wants to do everything for this club.”

Burkardt was the highest-scoring German at club level in 2024/25, while his 10 goals in 20 U21 matches suggest he will be an asset to internmational boss Julian Nagelsmann, who has already rewarded the striker with three senior caps.

Now at Frankfurt and with a chance to test himself against the continent's best, a step up and even more impressive displays would surely make Burkardt a Germany regular.

Recent years have shown Eintracht have the ability to get the best out of forwards, with Ekitiké and Marmoush following in the footsteps of Sébastien Haller, André Silva and plenty more. Should the Eagles' coach Toppmöller be able to get similar results out of Burkardt, more success will surely come Frankfurt’s way in the coming campaign.