When Robert Lewandowski departed Bayern Munich for FC Barcelona in the summer of 2022, it sent shockwaves through the footballing world — and left the Bavarians scrambling to replace him.
Bayern ultimately swung for Liverpool forward Sadio Mané in what would turn out to be an ill-fated transfer, as well as youngster Mathys Tel, whose future in Bavaria is yet to be determined.
But another name on the rumor mill that summer was actually a serious topic of discussion: current Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké.
Sport Bild published a report detailing Bayern’s pursuit of the 22-year-old Frenchman and how it ultimately fizzled. Via @iMiaSanMia:
For the 2022/23 season, Bayern was interested in Hugo Ekitiké. Hasan Salihamidžić and Marco Neppe had met his agent for talks in Munich. The background was that Robert Lewandowski was about to leave for Barcelona at the time. Bayern were looking for a replacement [ @SPORTBILD]
Ultimately, however, it remained just preliminary talks. During the internal transfer meetings, Bayern decided against Ekitiké and in favour of signing Mathys Tel. The Bayern bosses were sure that he had greater quality than the current Eintracht striker.
Sadio Mané joined to fill the Lewandowski gap. Ekitiké, on the other hand, moved from Stade Reims to PSG in the summer of 2022, first on loan and then a year later permanently for €28.5 million.
Ekitiké is now a constant presence in the starting XI for Eintracht.