Football Today
·31 August 2023
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·31 August 2023
Premier League club Crystal Palace made a loan offer to Paris Saint-Germain for striker Hugo Ekitike, but the bid has been rejected, according to L’Equipe.
The Eagles are trying to add firepower to their squad for the season ahead and have turned to the Frenchman.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson wants more competition for Odsonne Edouard, especially with Jean-Philippe Mateta linked with a move away.
However, PSG are not keen on loaning out Ekitike at this point. The Ligue 1 champions are trying to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt and want to use him as a makeweight.
PSG offered Die Adler €65 million plus Ekitike for Kolo Muani but have yet to receive a response from the German club.
They are unwilling to let the 21-year-old move away on loan until they sort out this situation, although they will consider permanent offers.
PSG just signed the Frenchman permanently for €35 million after his loan from Reims last season, and they will be looking to recoup at least all of the expenditure.
Ekitike had a poor campaign with the Parisians but looked improved in pre-season after bagging only three goals and four assists last term.
However, despite his pre-season improvement, he has not got a look in.
New manager Luis Enrique is not counting on him for the season, giving him only nine minutes from their bench in their three Ligue 1 clashes.
With a day to go before the transfer window closes, Ekitike still does not know where he will be plying his trade for the season.
He could stay at PSG or move to Germany to replace his countryman. Palace are also an option. Their loan offer with an option to buy has been rejected, but they might return for him.
West Ham United have shown interest in his services and could make a move before the close of the transfer window.