Crystal Palace and West Ham United retain an interest in PSG outcast Hugo Ekitike and could make approaches in January.
According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace and West Ham United could explore a move for Hugo Ekitike in January. The 21-year-old prospect seemingly does not have a future at Paris Saint-Germain, as the French giants actively tried to offload him during the summer.
Hugo Ekitike made his mark during his time at boyhood club Stade Reims. The 2021/22 season saw the 21-year-old prospect score 11 goals and notch four assists, which prompted PSG to make an offer to their Ligue 1 colleagues for the striker.
PSG agreed on a loan for the striker with an obligation to buy at the end of the 2022/23 season, which they did, paying over €28 million. Ekitike only had a modest first season at the club, scoring four times in 32 appearances. In the current campaign, he made a brief cameo at the opening weekend but has since not been selected by Luis Enrique.
His preferences over a transfer at the end of the window may have a bearing on his current plight. For starters, PSG have secured two renowned strikers, Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani, which only warrants Ekitike a few chances.
Moreover, PSG wanted the striker to join Eintracht Frankfurt as part of the Kolo Muani deal. The 21-year-old prospect rejected the idea of the German club and may have wanted to join a Premier League side, where interest was rife.
West Ham and Crystal Palace were keen on the striker during the window as they explored bringing in a new frontman. The Premier League duo may have retained their interest and could revisit Ekitike during the January window.
West Ham wanted to bring a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca and tried their hand with different options. They were extremely keen on Elye Wahi, but the former Montpellier star rejected English overtures to sign for Ligue 1 side Lens.
The Hammers then switched their attention towards Ekitike in the hope of luring the striker. However, the complications with PSG’s move for Kolo Muani made things difficult for the 21-year-old prospect to move away to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Palace were keen to offload Jean-Philippe Mateta for a new forward and explored some options. Ekitike was part of their shortlist but never came close to bringing anyone. They also experienced rival interest in Ekitike, with Everton also approaching.
However, the French striker could look for a move if his conditions at PSG stay the same in the coming period. As things stand, PSG would look to sell the striker and recoup what they paid Reims this summer. The London sides are in a good position to pay up, as a move to the Premier League might materialise.
