Transfer Centre

Everton in talks over Hugo Ekitike deal?

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 10 August 2023

Everton are reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal to sign 21-year-old striker Huge Ekitike on loan with an option to buy.

Everton have reportedly contacted Paris Saint-Germain over a potential deal for striker Hugo Ekitike.

After bursting onto the scene as one of French football's most promising prospects during the 2021-22 season, Ekitike struggled to make an impact in the capital.

After netting 11 goals in his first full season with Reims, PSG acquired the youngster, but starts were few and far between for the 21-year-old last season.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Everton are in talks over a loan deal for Ekitike with an obligation to buy next summer for €35m (£30m).

Negotiations are said to still be in the early stages with many clubs around Europe also interested, including Borussia Dortmund, according to Patrick Berger.

Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike pictured on August 31, 2022 © Reuters

Journalist Alan Myers claims on Twitter that Everton submitted a bid to the French giants late on Wednesday night, which is being considered, with PSG willing to sell as their summer overhaul begins to take shape.

PSG have already signed eight new faces this summer, and reports suggest that Kylian Mbappe and Neymar will join Lionel Messi in leaving the club.

With the likes of Goncalo Ramos and Marco Asensio arriving at Parc des Princes, opportunities may become more limited for Ekitike.

PSG only signed Ekitike permanently this summer after agreeing a loan with an obligation to buy for €28.5m (£24.5m) from Reims last summer, but other arrivals look set to push him further down the pecking order.

Everton have been linked with a myriad of strikers so far this summer, but as of yet, no new arrivals have come in to cover and compete for a starting spot with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates scoring their first goal with Alex Iwobi on May 1, 2023 © Reuters

Youssef Chermiti's signing from Sporting Lisbon should be completed in the coming days, but the 19-year-old is unlikely to be Everton's first-choice attacker this season.

Leicester City duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka, and Southampton's Che Adams have all been touted as possible alternatives after Everton missed out on their number one target El Bilal Toure, who joined Atalanta.

Manager Sean Dyche should have Calvert-Lewin available for their Premier League opener against Fulham on Saturday, after Everton's number nine featured in their final two friendlies of pre-season.

Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal in their win over Sporting Lisbon last Saturday after starting the game, but Dyche has confirmed that he is unlikely to feature from the off on the opening day.

The fitness of the forward has been scrutinised often over the past few years, and Dyche appears very cautious to rush him back after yet another lengthy layoff.