Aston Villa and Manchester City are ready to battle Chelsea and Liverpool for the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike.
Hugo Ekitike remains quite high on the wishlist of multiple English clubs following an impressive campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt. According to Graeme Bailey via TBR Football, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all keen on signing the French forward.
While things did not work out for Ekitike at PSG, the move to Germany has helped him get his career back on track. He initially joined Eintracht Frankfurt at the start of 2024 on a loan deal before the move was made permanent last summer.
In his first full season with the club, the Frenchman contributed towards 34 goals (22 goals, 12 assists) in his 48 outings. The youngster has been on the radar of English clubs for a while now, and his recent performances have further enhanced his reputation.
No Shortage of interest in former PSG star
While speaking to TBR about the 22-year-old’s future, Bailey said, “Hugo Ekitike is a tremendous talent since PSG pipped Newcastle to sign him from Reims, he is a player talked about constantly in England.“He has now shown his true talent at Eintracht Frankfurt and I am told by more than one top-six club in England that they believe he has as much potential as any striker in Europe, he is that good.
“Frankfurt know this too and have spoken to club sources this week, they are standing firm on their £84m valuation – they won’t take a Euro less was the message coming out. They got £95m for Randal Kolo Muani and €75m for Omar Marmoush in January – they don’t need the money and one reason they are sticking to their valuation.”
Eintracht Frankfurt are quite pleased with Ekitike’s performances, and they are well aware of the increasing interest in the French youth international. The German club value him at £84 million, and they are going to stand firm on their valuation if an interested club knocks on their doors.
Having sold Randal Kolo Muani and Omar Marmoush for big money in the recent past, Eintracht Frankfurt are not in need of raising funds and won’t budge on their valuation. With Hugo Ekitike’s contract running until 2029, the Bundesliga outfit are well in control of the situation.
While talking about his future, Bailey further added: “Chelsea and Liverpool have been strongly linked in recent days, but their interest is not new – we revealed in April that both clubs were watching him closely. That aside, Manchester City, Aston Villa and his former suitors Newcastle are still following him.
“Personally I think it is an expensive deal and perhaps too much for a club, but I am told the player is open to the move. Chelsea have just finalised Liam Delap, and we have to see if they progress with interest in Ekitike.”
Hugo Ekitike is on the wishlist of multiple English clubs
Chelsea and Liverpool are two clubs that have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old in recent weeks. Both English giants are looking to add a top-quality number nine to their squad this summer. Arne Slot has the backing of FSG this summer and they have reportedly held talks with Ekitike’s camp.
With Darwin Nunez’s future uncertain, Ekitike could be an ideal replacement. The Blues are looking for someone who can compete with Nicolas Jackson for a spot in the starting XI. While they really admire the Eintracht Frankfurt star, they are closing in on Liam Delap’s signature. As a result, it will be interesting to see if they do make a move in this window.
Aston Villa and manchester City to rival Chelsea and Liverpool
Aston Villa and Manchester City are also interested in Hugo Ekitike’s signature. They are set to rival Chelsea and Liverpool in the chase. Both clubs have been closely monitoring his progress and could make a move.
Given Manchester City already have Erling Haaland and Marmoush in their ranks, it is hard to see them spend a fortune on him. While Aston Villa certainly need more quality in the final third as Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio are set to return to their parent clubs, Ekitike’s valuation could be a major problem for them.
Even the other three clubs might find it difficult to meet the German club’s demands for the 22-year-old. However, the Frenchman is open to a move to the Premier League, which could certainly help their cause.