Hugo Ekitiké (21) has not featured for Paris Saint-Germain since a cameo appearance on the opening day of the Ligue 1 season in August. The former Stade de Reims forward has been a peripheral figure, to say the least, and according to L’Équipe, his mental health has suffered as a result.
For Ekitiké, it was a dream to sign for PSG, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. The Frenchman endured a difficult debut campaign at the Parc des Princes. Under new manager Luis Enrique, Ektiké was never truly given a chance. It was reported by Le Parisien that Ekitiké was one of the players that PSG were looking to sell in the summer. Les Parisiens’ signing of Gonçalo Ramos, and then Randal Kolo Muani, was a clear indication that Ekitiké was surplus to requirements.
Ekitiké’s refusal to be part of the deal that saw Kolo Muani join PSG saw the former dropped from the first team entirely. The club’s hierarchy were reportedly “furious” with Ekitiké’s decision to reject the move to Eintracht Frankfrut. His unwillingness to move has seen him banished from the set-up.
Ekitiké eager to secure January move
His entourage has told L’Équipe that Ekitiké’s mental health has suffered as a result. The social media insults, the lack of competition and the removal from certain first-team sessions have all taken a toll. Whilst Ekitiké was reticent to leave PSG in the summer, at least at such short notice, the same will not be the case in January.
Ekitiké has made efforts to maintain a good level of fitness and he is now willing to make an effort to leave PSG. Serie A and Bundesliga sides have shown an interest in the Frenchman, and according to L’Équipe, an official offer has even been received. The identity of the bidder is yet to be revealed.
PSG want to sell Ekitiké without making a loss, but given his lack of game time over the past 18 months, that may prove difficult.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
