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A career choice can often break dynamics or trigger others. Requested by several German and English clubs in the summer of 2022 after an impressive first season with Reims in Ligue 1, Hugo Ekitike had chosen to continue his career in France. Highly esteemed by the management of PSG at that time, the slender striker had chosen to join the capital club in order to grow alongside Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi. Initially loaned by the Reims club, the 21-year-old striker had a complicated first season at Porte de Saint-Cloud with only four goals and as many assists in 32 appearances.
Mocked by Parisian supporters, the native of Reims inevitably experienced a decline in performance while he also had to digest an expensive transfer (35 million euros). This summer, the arrival of Luis Enrique on the Parisian bench clearly did not benefit Hugo Ekitike. In addition, the arrivals of Kang-in Lee, Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, Gonçalo Ramos and Ousmane Dembélé made his playing time melt away like snow in the sun. Became persona non grata for Parisian leaders, Ekitike had to resolve to leave this winter, for the good of his career. Appearing only once this season, the right-hander, under contract with Paris until 2027, was then called upon in the Bundesliga.
Hugo Ekitike agreed to lower his salary to facilitate a departure
Already present 18 months ago, Eintracht Frankfurt was still on its trail in recent days. While they have still not replaced Randal Kolo Muani, despite the arrival of Omar Marmoush to anticipate this loss, German leaders have logically observed in France to find a solution. In recent weeks, an agreement between the overseas management and Arnaud Kalimuendo has also been reached according to Sky Germany. This same source announces today that verbal common ground has been found between the Frankfurt board and Hugo Ekitike has been found while the Kalimuendo file still remains relevant.
Still according to our colleagues from across the Rhine, the French U20 international (6 selections) agreed to lower his salary by several million euros to facilitate his arrival in Frankfurt. Earning nearly seven million euros gross per year in Paris, Ekitike would be inclined to accept emoluments of three million gross per season in the Bundesliga. Eager to don the Eagles tunic, the versatile striker has won over the German leaders who will push to bring him in in the coming days. However, its arrival is not always guaranteed despite this great progress. And even if PSG needs to downsize its workforce, the negotiations still promise to be difficult between the two managements. These should begin in the coming days.
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.