A career choice can often break dynamics or trigger others. Requested by several German and English clubs in the summer of 2022 after an impressive first season with Reims in Ligue 1, Hugo Ekitike had chosen to continue his career in France. Highly esteemed by the management of PSG at that time, the slender striker had chosen to join the capital club in order to grow alongside Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi. Initially loaned by the Reims club, the 21-year-old striker had a complicated first season at Porte de Saint-Cloud with only four goals and as many assists in 32 appearances.
Mocked by Parisian supporters, the native of Reims inevitably experienced a decline in performance while he also had to digest an expensive transfer (35 million euros). This summer, the arrival of Luis Enrique on the Parisian bench clearly did not benefit Hugo Ekitike. In addition, the arrivals of Kang-in Lee, Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, Gonçalo Ramos and Ousmane Dembélé made his playing time melt away like snow in the sun. Became persona non grata for Parisian leaders, Ekitike had to resolve to leave this winter, for the good of his career. Appearing only once this season, the right-hander, under contract with Paris until 2027, was then called upon in the Bundesliga.
Hugo Ekitike agreed to lower his salary to facilitate a departure
Already present 18 months ago, Eintracht Frankfurt was still on its trail in recent days. While they have still not replaced Randal Kolo Muani, despite the arrival of Omar Marmoush to anticipate this loss, German leaders have logically observed in France to find a solution. In recent weeks, an agreement between the overseas management and Arnaud Kalimuendo has also been reached according to Sky Germany. This same source announces today that verbal common ground has been found between the Frankfurt board and Hugo Ekitike has been found while the Kalimuendo file still remains relevant.
Still according to our colleagues from across the Rhine, the French U20 international (6 selections) agreed to lower his salary by several million euros to facilitate his arrival in Frankfurt. Earning nearly seven million euros gross per year in Paris, Ekitike would be inclined to accept emoluments of three million gross per season in the Bundesliga. Eager to don the Eagles tunic, the versatile striker has won over the German leaders who will push to bring him in in the coming days. However, its arrival is not always guaranteed despite this great progress. And even if PSG needs to downsize its workforce, the negotiations still promise to be difficult between the two managements. These should begin in the coming days.
