Hugo Ekitike was linked with Premier League teams Newcastle United, West Ham, and Crystal Palace
during the January transfer window, however he followed Kylian Mbappe’s advise and left PSG for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar certainly considers himself something of a student of the ‘Beautiful Game’. So it should come as no real surprise to learn that Kylian Mbappe is very much aware of Frankfurt’s remarkable track record when it comes to coaxing every ounce of talent out of the forwards at their disposal.
Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller, Ante Rebic, Andre Silva, Jesper Lindstram and Randal Kolo Muani all played arguably the best football of their careers at the Commerzbank Arena. Kolo Muani, for instance, arrived on a free transfer from Nantes and then joined PSG 12 months later for nearly £80 million.
So, with Hugo Ekitike looking to make up for lost time after a frustrating year-and-a-half stint on the Paris bench, joining Frankfurt over a host of Premier League clubs could yet prove to be an inspire decision.
Kylian Mbappe pushes Hugo Ekitike to Frankfurt
“I have become a better footballer and a better person because of him,” Ekitike tells BILD, explaining Mbappe’s role in his £25 million move to Germany. “I watched him a lot and he gave me a lot of tips on where I could improve.
“He recommended that I take the next step and advised me to come here (Frankfurt) to progress and develop.”
Fulham sign a striker but rivals miss out
HITC Football understands that Ekitike, who famously turned down a move to Newcastle in favour of PSG in the summer of 2022, was offered to Eddie Howe’s side again a couple of weeks back.
Ditto Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fulham and Manchester United.
Of the aforementioned quintet, only one succeeded in bringing in a new centre-forward before the window closed.
Fulham landed Armando Broja from West London neighbours Chelsea, pipping Wolves to the Slough-born Albania international.
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