Crystal Palace are weighing up a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as a potential successor to Jean-Philippe Mateta, should the latter depart the club during the upcoming transfer window.

Ekitike, a talented 22-year-old forward from France, has been linked with numerous Premier League sides over the past few transfer windows. This summer might finally provide the opportunity for him to complete a long-anticipated move to English football. Sources close to TEAMtalk indicate that Ekitike is keen to challenge himself in the Premier League, with his agents actively seeking avenues to make this transition a reality.

The young striker’s career has been far from straightforward. Having initially made a name for himself at Stade Reims, where his natural ability and eye for goal caught the attention of leading European clubs, Ekitike secured a prestigious move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, his spell at the Parisian giants was challenging. Limited playing opportunities and difficulties adapting to the club’s high expectations saw him net just four goals in 33 appearances across two seasons, spending most of his time on the periphery of the squad.

Ekitike opted for a fresh challenge in January 2023, joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a temporary deal that was later made permanent last summer. The switch to Germany has significantly rejuvenated his career, enabling him to rediscover his form and confidence. Since arriving at Frankfurt, the forward has showcased his remarkable potential, tallying an impressive 23 goals in 55 matches. His consistent goal-scoring exploits have attracted the interest of multiple European clubs, with Crystal Palace emerging as a serious contender.

According to Transfermarkt.com, Ekitike’s current market value stands at €55 million, underlining his growing reputation and demand in the transfer market.

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For Crystal Palace, securing a reliable goal-scorer is imperative, particularly if Mateta departs. The Eagles have been actively seeking to strengthen their attacking lineup in recent seasons, and recruiting a player of Ekitike’s pedigree could significantly elevate their offensive capabilities. His blend of speed, technical finesse, and finishing ability makes him a strong candidate to enhance Palace’s firepower in front of goal.

Furthermore, Ekitike has already demonstrated his prowess at the international level, having represented France’s U21 squad. In just three appearances, he has found the net twice, further emphasizing his ability to excel on bigger stages. His youth and adaptability also make him a highly attractive prospect for teams looking to invest in long-term success.

Despite his resurgence in Germany, Ekitike’s ambition to play in the Premier League suggests that a transfer this summer is a strong possibility. Whether Crystal Palace can successfully secure his signature remains uncertain, as competition from rival English clubs could complicate negotiations. Nonetheless, Palace’s clear desire to enhance their attacking options makes Ekitike a compelling target.

As the summer transfer window nears, Crystal Palace supporters will be eagerly awaiting developments regarding a potential deal for Ekitike, who stands at 190 cm. Should the transfer materialize, the young French forward could become an integral figure in the Eagles’ squad, helping them achieve their ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

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