Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has confirmed star striker Hugo Ekitike could leave if the club’s demands are met in the summer transfer window.
Ekitike joined Eintracht on a permanent basis in April 2024, following an initial loan spell, and the 22-year-old forward has been a revelation this season, racking up 15 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga.
The Frenchman has earned himself plenty of admirers with his eye-catching performances across the campaign and speculation is mounting that a big-money move could be on the cards.
Arsenal and Liverpool are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements and have both been linked with Ekitike as they draw up potential plans to strengthen their squads for next season.
Eintracht are aware of the interest from the Premier League and there is a growing acceptance within the club’s hierarchy that Ektike’s head may already have been turned.
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However, it will likely take a bid in the region of £85million to prise Ektike away from Deutsche Bank Park this summer.
‘He’s one of the most interesting strikers on the European market,’ Eintracht chief Krosche told German outlet Sport1.
‘Hugo has to decide that [his future]. I’m glad we have him.
‘If he decides otherwise, that’s our belief: if a player develops faster than us, then we let him go – as long as our demands are met.’
Ekitike’s current contract with Eintracht runs through to June 2029.
Eintracht secured their spot in next year’s Champions League with victory over Freiburg on Saturday and Krosche credited Ekitike with playing a ‘major role’ in their success.
‘Hugo is an exceptional player who played a major role in our qualification for the Champions League,’ he added.
‘He certainly still has a lot of potential for development as he’s only 22 years old.’
Despite the widespread adulation Ekitike has received this season, Emmanuel Petit is unsure if is fellow countryman is ready to be the ‘main man’ for a club like Arsenal or Liverpool.
‘Honestly, I’ve seen him playing for Paris Saint-Germain. He was a little bit too young to play for a huge club like Paris Saint-Germain,’ the ex-Arsenal and France midfielder told Poker Firma last month.
‘Now he’s having a good time in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt. I think it’s probably too soon for him to come to a top, top club like Arsenal or Liverpool.
‘I’m not sure if he’s ready to be the main man at a club chasing a Premier League title.’
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