Hugo Ekitike: The Isak-lite that has Premier League clubs scrambling | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike’s name has barely left the rumour mill in recent months. With almost all of the Premier League’s top teams in search of firepower this summer, the Eintracht Frankfurt forward has emerged as an intriguing option.

For English fans who are not regular watchers of the Bundesliga, a first glimpse arrived last week. Frankfurt faced Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League and it took just six minutes to see what the fuss is about.

Ekitike was the only Frankfurt player in the Spurs half when he picked up possession wide on the left. It mattered little. After backing up Pedro Porro to the edge of the area, he skipped inside the Spurs right-back and wrapped a finish into the far corner. It was a finish that has become a trademark. A sharp shift, followed by a crisp connection and perfect placement.

Ekitike’s move to Germany has helped unlock the potential that first emerged at Reims. After scoring 10 goals in Ligue 1 as a teenager in 2021/22, he signed for Paris Saint-Germain. He contributed seven goal involvements as PSG won the title in his debut season, but opportunities were limited at the Parc des Princes.

He joined Frankfurt on an initial six-month loan in January 2024 before the transfer was made permanent during the summer. As they so often have when it comes to centre-forwards across the last decade, the German side are reaping the rewards.

Omar Marmoush’s blistering form across the first half of the season was the headline news from The Waldstadion, but Ekitike has picked up the slack since the Egyptian’s exit for Manchester City. He’s scored 10 goals in all competitions since January and has 21 for the season after netting against Heidenheim at the weekend. In March, he hit a hat-trick as France’s u-21 side beat England u-21 during the international break.

Ekitike remains raw but appears a rough diamond ready to be polished. He’s drawn comparisons to Alexander Isak, arguably the most coveted centre-forward in Europe, for his tall frame and fleet footwork. Despite standing at 6ft 3in  Ekitike is able to shift his feet with a nimbleness not often seen in one so tall. There’s an elasticity to his game, which coupled with an improving goal record has Europe’s elite circling.

The numbers support the view of his suitors.

Across the last 12 months, Ekitike ranks in the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues for the following metrics per 90 minutes: Non-penalty xG, shots, assists, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, successful take-ons, attacking penalty area touches, and chances created.

It’s an extensive list.

For comparison, he’s averaged a higher xG, expected assists and more shots on target per 90 than Isak in league action this season. Of course, comparison between leagues is dangerous territory, while there’s been a poor translation from Bundesliga goalscorers to Premier League in recent years. That said, it’s a solid foundation to build upon.

Perhaps the biggest question marks around Ekitike and the Premier League are physicality and the ability to refine his finishing. Isak has shown that a wiry frame can hide deceptive strength, while manipulation of his body is something the Frenchman can improve. That said, despite his height, aerial prowess is not a strength. Just one of his 21 goals this season have come via his head.

His overall finishing, meanwhile, is another area for improvement. Despite the cleanness of his strike against Spurs and similar efforts this season, he ranks third for xG underperformance in the Bundesliga this season (-5.83). The chances are arriving in abundance but not always counting. No player in the Premier League this season has a bigger underperformance than Ekitike’s. Isak, to revert back to comparison, has over-performed by a margin of 2.53 goals.

Stats, however, can be skewed to whatever angle fits the agenda. Of players aged 22 or under in Europe’s top five leagues, only one can match Ekitike for league goals this season – Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

With an eclectic mix of attributes and a potential ceiling of huge height, Frankfurt are braced for bids. The German side will drive a hard bargain for one of the most exciting talents to pass through their ranks in recent seasons.

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