Crystal Palace are set to attempt the signing of PSG’s Hugo Ekitike in January as a replacement for the potentially outgoing Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Crystal Palace are set for some movement in the attacking department this January as multiple names are linked with arriving at Selhurst Park.
But on the other hand, the departure of Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to be a big story in the window.
Roy Hodgson hasn’t quite got the attack firing this season, with Mateta only scoring three all season.
Odsonne Edouard has scored seven which is a healthy return however, he has recently hinted at a future exit from the club and Palace will be keen to have a capable player ready to take his spot if needed.
That is where the links to PSG forward Hugo Ekitike come in as Palace look to bring him to the club in January.
Crystal Palace interested in Hugo Ekitike
It was reported the other day that Ekitike had been attracting interest from Palace and now there’s been a progression.
Standard Sport have reported that Crystal Palace “consider Ekitike a viable replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta”. A deal in January would likely take the form of a loan move.
This comes as Mateta is reportedly set to depart the club in January amid interest from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Palace however do have a few names on their list to replace Mateta if he leaves. Ekitike is one and he is joined by Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho on that list.
Would Hugo Ekitike be a good signing for Crystal Palace?
Ekitike is a player who has long been considered as a ‘special‘ talent over in France. Prior to his move to PSG, Newcastle were believed to be desperate to bring him in.
Since his move to Paris on an initial loan in July 2022 – which later became a permanent £24.4m deal in July 2023 – Ekitike hasn’t quite lived up to the huge expectations.
He’s only made one Ligue 1 appearance all season and last season played a lot more, but only scored three in 25 games according to Transfermarkt.
But for Reims he was far more dangerous and comparatively he would have a role more like that at Palace, and that’s probably what is being envisioned by the Palace chiefs.
