Paris Saint-Germain underwent significant changes in their attacking lineup during the recent transfer window, with the departures of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Mauro Icardi, and Julian Draxler. In their place, Randal Kolo Muani, Goncalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Marco Asensio, and Lee Kang-in arrived at the Parc des Princes.
Additionally, Xavi Simons made a return but was immediately loaned to RB Leipzig. The deal for Kolo Muani was only finalized late in the transfer window, as PSG made a concerted effort to offload Ekitike to raise funds for his compatriot.
Ekitike, who spent the 2022-23 season on loan at the club from Reims, saw a €28.5 million (£24.7 million) purchase clause triggered, but it seems he may not have a long-term future in Paris.
While there were strong rumors of a move to the Premier League, with links to Brentford, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United, PSG hoped to use Ekitike as part of a deal for Kolo Muani. However, Ekitike turned down an opportunity to join Eintracht Frankfurt, and a late move to Palace on deadline day fell through, reportedly leaving PSG frustrated with the 21-year-old due to his reluctance to leave.
Since the summer saga, Ekitike has only played eight minutes of football this season and has not been included in the squad for any of Les Parisiens' last three games. Nevertheless, 90min reports that Ekitike remains confident that he can prove himself at the Parc des Princes in the coming months.
Ekitike understands that it is now up to him to make an impression on the field. However, if opportunities continue to be scarce as winter approaches, he may consider a move away. Palace still appears interested, and Brentford and West Ham remain potential destinations. Additionally, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton have expressed interest through his agents, and it is likely that he will end up in England.
PSG, with Ekitike under contract until 2027, has the upper hand in negotiations, and a loan move to Lyon, Lens, or his former club Reims remains a possibility.
It's worth noting that Newcastle United had considered a move for Ekitike in 2022 before PSG secured his signature, but his debut season at PSG saw him score only four goals in 32 games. In the 2022-23 Ligue 1 campaign, he started 12 times and helped secure his first major trophy but played only 58 minutes in the Champions League.
