EPL Index
·3 August 2023
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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·3 August 2023
Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike is an enigma; a paradoxical figure in the heart of French football. A standout during the summer preparations and on the Asian tour, he’s one of the rare PSG stars to leave an indelible mark. Still, the time he’s spent on the pitch has yet to rise commensurately.
His performances against Le Havre and Cerezo Osaka, netting goals and assisting, undoubtedly left him yearning for more than a late 70-minute entry against Inter Milan, or warming the bench against Al Nassr. Arguably the most decisive player during preparations, he ironically finds himself amongst the least utilised offensive players – inferior to Carlos Soler and Marco Asensio’s game time. This imbalance may prod Ekitike towards an exit this summer.
Despite the irony, Spain’s managerial ace Luis Enrique finds appeal in Ekitike’s profile, particularly as PSG’s hunt for a number 9 continues – a vacancy that theoretically opens opportunities for Ekitike. However, reality paints a different picture. The Parisian giants appear keen to sell the striker, who was recruited for €35 million just last summer. Exposure is essential for the plan to take shape, but so far, Ekitike’s opportunities have been restricted to sporadic ends of games.
The conundrum surrounding Ekitike’s future has caught the attention of various European footballing powers. Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest have expressed interest in the 21-year-old Frenchman reveal RMC Sport. If Paris sets the gears of negotiation into motion for Randal Kolo Muani, Ekitike could become a useful bargaining chip in reducing the transfer fee.
However, the question remains: will PSG change their stance if Ekitike continues to play a decisive role? Only time will tell.
Despite making an impression during PSG’s summer campaign, the road ahead for Hugo Ekitike remains shrouded in uncertainty. As clubs across Europe keep a keen eye on developments, fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipate where the young striker’s next move will be. From the heart of the French capital to the bustling arenas of West Ham or Nottingham Forest, Ekitike’s journey has only just begun.
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