After 14 goals in his first full professional season with Stade Reims, comparisons to a certain Kylian Mbappé were not long in coming. Since moving to Paris St. Germain in the summer, however, Hugo Ekitike’s development has stalled. The 20-year-old forward has not lived up to expectations and has only scored one goal in all competitions.
The French U21 international is currently on loan from Reims to the capital club, after which a purchase option of 35 million euros applies if the Parisians finish at least second place. Whether you will do that with a smile on your face depends on Ekitike’s performance in the second half of the season. The Sheikh Club has had problems with financial fair play in the past, so an investment of this magnitude should be better worthwhile.
Starting difficulties despite Galtier’s promise
Before the start of the season, Ekitike “enough operating times” promised. Especially because of the World Cup break, one would like to relieve the storm trio of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi, white Matthieu Margueritte from the French FT-affiliate site Foot Mercato. After only two starts, however, one has to ask oneself what is left of this plan. Without playing time, it is difficult to train well-established processes, but at the same time Ekitike has to become more dangerous in front of goal in order to earn playing time.
“He’s very tall (1.89 meters) which allows him to play as a striker. This could be particularly useful for Kylian Mbappé. But at the moment Ekitike only plays 15 to 20 minutes per game, so it’s difficult to judge.”continued Margueritte’s assessment.
Ekitike remains calm
Ekitike himself doesn’t want to be disturbed by the criticism that has been raised about his performance. In an interview with the Canal+ television channel, the right-winger made it clear :“I know why I came here. Whenever you move to such a big club, there are high expectations. […] Then when you don’t deliver, people start asking questions.” Especially because of his personal situation, he is prone to such hasty conclusions, says Ekitike.
Still, Ekitike doesn’t give up: “I came with a big price tag, you have to accept that. And I suppose that’s not a problem. If I’m bad, I’ll be the first to say so.” Tonight Paris met Racing Strasbourg (2:1). Due to Lionel Messi’s extended World Cup vacation, Ekitike was in the starting XI but failed to score and was substituted for Carlos Soler after 72 minutes.
