By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The future of Luka Jovic might not have been the most pressing matter this Thursday evening when an entire city seemed to party until dawn. Thousands of Eintracht Frankfurt supporters were dancing and singing to celebrate a historic step for the Bundesliga outfit.
Having beaten Benfica 2-0, the German club has reached the semifinal of a European competition for the first time in 39 years.
"We are extremely proud as we are an example to follow for other German clubs. Mentality, excitement and international reputation couldn't be higher," said Eintracht board member Fredi Bobic, with his side the sole remaining German team in contintental competition this season.
With such great success, questions about the team's future come to light, and reports detailing the pros and cons of possible sales are continuing.
21-year-old Jovic might not have scored a goal that evening, but his great value to his coach Adi Hutter was evident. His high standing among fans was apparent when he left the pitch after 75 minutes. Spectators gave him a warm round of applause and a standing ovation.
In just that moment, many of them may have thought about the challenge Bobic faces in trying to keep the squad together, with Jovic and his 17 league goals their hottest prospect, alongside Ante Rebic and Sebastian Haller.
With Frankfurt now facing a semifinal tie against Premier League outfit Chelsea, rumors are growing that the Serbian international may depart after this season.
According to media reports, the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and several Premier League clubs are circling, with Spanish sports newspapers Marca and AS reporting that the striker is Real's main target for the 2019/2020 season.
Los Merengues are said to be considering a bid of up to 70 million euros for Jovic, who would replace aging former French international Karim Benzema.
Having signed Jovic on loan from Benfica for 200,000 euros in 2017, Frankfurt last week exercised its purchase option worth 6 million euros to secure what could be a fantastic bargain. The forward's contract expires in 2023.
A former striker himself, Bobic said Jovic has "exceptional skills" and underlined the importance of "having finalized his new contract."
The 47-year-old admitted the latest development is most likely not the last chapter of Jovic's incredible story this season. He confirmed several prominent clubs are interested in signing the Serbian, but no offer has yet reached the club.
Real seems the most likely option, as Jovic's agent Fali Ramadani is reported to have met Real director Jose Angel Sanchez.
Bobic is taking things around Jovic as easily as possible. The blow of losing Jovic would be softened by the considerable sum he would command that could be used to reinvest in the team.
Having developed a striker like Jovic seems like a curse and a blessing at the same time. Bobic has not yet given up hope of convincing Jovic to stay, with the lure of Champions League qualification a very real possibility with just five games to go until the end of the season.
For the time being, Bobic says, "we enjoy what we have achieved, and we want more."
