Real Madrid enter chase for 20-year-old French attacking sensation

 

Reims' forward Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and OGC Nice at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northern France on May 21, 2022.

Real Madrid will reportedly look to secure the services of 20-year-old French attacking sensation Hugo Ekitike in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by French publication L’Equipe, Hugo Ekitike is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old Stade de Reims attacking sensation is also a target for several other clubs in Europe, including Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.

Hugo Ekitike has become one of the hottest properties in Europe on the back of his breakthrough campaign with Stade de Reims in 2021/22. The French striker had made his first-team debut for the Ligue 1 outfit in October 2020 but had to wait until returning from a loan spell with Vejle BK to establish a foothold at his parent club.

The 20-year-old became a pivotal figure for Reims this past season, amassing 11 goals and three assists in 25 appearances. Ekitike’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with some of the most high-profile clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, setting their sights on him ahead of the summer transfer window.

The interest from Real Madrid stems from the rampant uncertainties surrounding the future of Luka Jovic. The Serbian striker has been a dud since joining Los Blancos from Eintracht Frankfurt three years ago, with his progress stalling due to sporadic appearances and poor form.

In addition, Mariano Diaz also faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, with recent reports linking him with several clubs across Europe. And while Mariano is keen on remaining at Real Madrid, the Spanish giants might still need to invest in a young striker as part of the succession plan for Karim Benzema.

Ekitike has thus emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Merengues joining Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in his pursuit. And while a move to St. James’ Park seemed set in stone for a few weeks, the 20-year-old attacking sensation might not join the Magpies.

After interest from PSG emerged, the French striker had already been stalling on a transfer to Newcastle United. And with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also hot on his heels, it looks like Ekitike might move to a bigger club in the summer transfer window.