Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea – and has previously reflected on the challenges he’s faced in the early stages of his career.
The Blues have been heavily linked with signing Ekitike when the summer transfer window opens. Chelsea have been joined by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United in being mentioned as having an interest in the France Under-21 international.
Reports have recently emerged claiming that Chelsea are interested in signing Ekitike, who is thought to be valued at around €100million (£84million) by Frankfurt). Ekitike, 22, has scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga club this term and has seen his future be the subject of speculation for several months.
Before joining Frankfurt, Ekitike began his career in France with Stade de Reims before completing a big-money transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, where he would spend the first season on loan before the move was made permanent a year later.
Just a few months later, in February 2024, Ekitike was on the move again as he joined Frankfurt on loan before completing a permanent switch last summer. During his time at PSG, Ekitike competed with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar for spots in the forward line.
It was just last year that Ekitike opened up on how he’s continuing to progress his game after a big-money move early on in his career and becoming a regular starter in Frankfurt.
“Everything moves fast in football,” Ekitike told TNT Sports in December last year. “You’re there (hand up) then you’re there (hand down) very quickly.
“What I’m trying to show today is that I’m constantly progressing, that it’s linear and that I’m continuing to climb.
“I was young and I climbed quickly, even though I had a lot of things to learn and store up, but that’s how it happened.
“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it’s not easy. But I’m still here. I think I’ve got a good head and I’m continuing to work to be the best I can be.”
Chelsea can end the 2024/25 Premier League season on a high, but it is never quiet at Stamford Bridge and the summer looks set to be one full of news, with Enzo Maresca looking for transfer to bolster his squad.
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