PSG tell Hugo Ekitike he can go amid Everton transfer talks, stars Neymar and Marco Verratti also set to leave

Wed 9 August 2023 20:54, UK

The door looks to be wide open for Everton to pick up Hugo Ektike before the transfer window shuts after he was told by PSG he can leave.

Sean Dyche may be closing in on a move for teenage striker Youssef Chermiti but he wants further additions to his attack this summer.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday (9 August) that the Toffees have “concrete” interest in Ekitike to be part of that, with talks set to focus on a loan-to-buy deal for the 21-year-old.

Everton have concrete interest in Hugo Ekitike. Told negotiation will take place over loan deal with buy option clause that can become mandatory 🔵🇫🇷

Terms of the deal and numbers not discussed yet, still at early stages with both PSG and player side. pic.twitter.com/KB6SKIgSPh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023

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Now, L’Equipe have reported later the same day that the Qatar Sports Investment-backed giants called the young Frenchman in Wednesday along with a host of stars to tell them they are no longer needed.

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According to the French outlet coach Luis Enrique and advisor Luis Campos “summoned” Ekitike alongside Neymar, Marco Verratti and Juan Bernat to tell them the club “wouldn’t be counting on them”.

The young striker only arrived at the Parc des Princes last summer from Stede de Reims and scored three goals in Ligue 1 in the ensuing season along with four assists.

He had netted 10 times in the French top flight the campaign before, with four more assists, thanks to greater opportunities.

Despite totalling 25 league appearances last season he was in and out of the side amidst star-studded competition from Brazilian Neymar, Argentine legend Lionel Messi, and French superstar Kylian Mbappe.

With him now being explicitly made surplus to requirements the chance is very much there for Everton to add an exciting young attacking options.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury history and Neal Maupay’s struggles for form at Goodison Park suggest that bringing in the unproven Chermiti from Sporting will not be enough on its own.

PSG clearly don’t want Ekitike so the Toffees can take advantage, and if they can convince the forward he will get enough opportunities on Merseyside he could yet be Premier League-bound.

In other Everton news, a timeframe for the delayed Chermiti announcement has emerged amid an update on his medical from the BBC.