PSG ready to sell Hugo Ekitike in January amid Everton transfer speculation, cut-price deal likely

Everton target Hugo Ekitike could be set for a January exit from PSG after falling out of favour in Paris, according to Jonathan Johnson.

Writing for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing (5 October), the CBS Sports journalist claimed there was “no future” for the 21-year-old at PSG, but that the French champions would struggle to recoup the £30.3million they spent on the then-Reims man last summer.

According to the Evening Standard (24 August), Everton submitted a £34.1million bid for the Frenchman, but the Toffees may have the chance to get him this winter.

Johnson wrote: “I can confirm that Hugo Ekitike is no longer wanted at PSG following transfer rumours about his situation and a possible move to the Premier League.

“The interest from Crystal Palace, which was also there towards the end of the summer transfer window, has been very problematic for PSG because he and his agent didn’t inform PSG that they were trying to negotiate a loan move to Crystal Palace. This was around the time PSG were negotiating a move for Randal Kolo Muani and Ekitike was of interest to Eintracht Frankfurt at that point.

“Ekitike has now been dropped from the squad, he’s not on PSG’s list for the Champions League, so his future at the Parc des Princes looks very bleak. There have been links with Everton as well, but I think interest from Newcastle is in the past now.

“Still, I certainly expect Ekitike to be on the move this winter because there’s no future for him in Paris. It’s going to be very difficult for PSG to get the kind of money back that they paid for him. PSG already knew they were over-paying for the player because the fee was agreed before his initial loan move, during which he lost massive value. They tried to get out of this deal but they were obliged to complete it.

“Realistically, PSG would now be lucky to get a paid loan with a view to a permanent transfer for around €20m, if everything were to go well, but I think it’s clear they’re going to have to accept a significant hit on this transfer, unless he can go out on loan and really impress and build up some value.”

Needed?

The Ligue 1 striker was a sought-after talent during the summer window and a player PSG seemingly wanted off their books. However, no move transpired and Ekitike has wound up with just eight minutes of football this season.

A move seems inevitable, but Everton may be wise to strengthen in other areas in January if they have any kind of budget to work with.

While the state of 777 Partner’s potential takeover still hangs in the balance, the club may be struggling to identify recruits without knowing exactly where the funding is coming from. However, with heavy expenditure on the front line this summer, the club may be keen to add bodies in new areas.

Per The Athletic (5 September), Everton only spent £2.6million on transfer fees this summer as the fees for Beto (£21.4million) and Youssef Chermiti (£10.7million). While this may have eased some pressure on the finances at the time, these fees will still need to be paid in the next fiscal year so recruitment elsewhere seems wise.

The full-back position is an obvious area of weakness. The club have just three available full-backs while Seamus Coleman remains injured, and their inconsistent form makes it a prime area for an upgrade.

Beto, Chermiti and Arnaut Danjuma are yet to make an impact at Goodison Park, but this may change by January and while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit, Sean Dyche will have at least one dependable option.

Johnson suggests that “realistically”, Ekitikie could be available on a loan deal with a £17.3million option to buy, but this seems out of the Toffees’ price range for another striker.

In other Everton news, Jamie Carragher has predicted the Toffees against Bournemouth result for Sky Sports.