Hugo Ekitiké, the great bet of Barça for its '9' of the future?

Published New:25/06/2025 - 18:17h

Updated New:25/06/2025 - 18:32h

It is not an immediate priority, but Hugo Ekitiké is well positioned on the 'culé' agenda. Star signing for FC Barcelona in 2026?

The sports management of FC Barcelona gives the impression of being focused on reinforcing the 'wings' of the offensive front this summer market. Not for nothing, the incorporations that are close to being officialized, Nico Williams (Athletic Club) and Roony Bardghji (Copenhagen), are wingers, left and right, respectively. However, that does not mean that the club has neglected to follow the alternatives to reinforce the position of '9'.

Indeed, there is talk of monitoring, since everything seems to indicate that the incorporation of a star center forward, unless there is a major turn of events, will be postponed until next summer. A window in which the 'azulgrana' team already gives the sensation of having a specific objective that it will try to add if the appropriate conditions are met: Hugo Ekitiké.

Barcelona already asked about Hugo Ekitiké

According to the sports newspaper SPORT, the 'Barça' team already asked about the striker this summer. However, as the Catalan team prioritized other incorporations in the area of wingers, the possible offensive for Ekitiké was postponed for the summer window of the 2026/27 season. Yes, as long as he is still at Eintracht Frankfurt by then.

Hugo Ekitiké celebrating a goal in the match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga

However, this last approach seems, a priori, a complicated idea. The French striker, who in this 2024/25 season accumulated 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches with 'Las Águilas' —a team with which he has a contract until 2029—, has become one of the most sought-after and coveted '9's of the moment in Europe. So much so that it is said that he is of interest to clubs such as:

Manchester United: club that Ekitiké himself admitted in an interview in December 2024 with RTL that it was his childhood favorite, and that he would have contacted his environment.
Liverpool: apparently entered into conversations with the player.
Chelsea: also spoke with the player, although without reaching a complete agreement or presenting an official proposal.

Ekitiké's price and Barça's dilemma

So, with the interest of several big names in the Premier League hovering over Hugo Ekitiké, it would not be surprising if one of them could match the price that Frankfurt is asking for his transfer. An amount that, according to Sky Sports Germany, would be around €100M.

An economically stellar price for an artilleryman who has captivated locals and strangers alike with his characteristics. He is a '9' who can also fall on the sides, with very good mobility in the offensive front, very fast despite his physical size (he is 1.90 m tall, which helps him in the aerial game), a very technical dribbler and with a remarkable ability to finish goal plays with great efficiency. He not only stands out in offensive tasks, but also in pressure and recovery in the defensive phase.

Should the 'azulgrana' club go for the French striker?

A very complete striker who promises to be one of the great entertainers of this summer market. Now, if he stays this next season at Eintracht, should Barcelona bet on him or go for one of the other alternatives that have been mentioned? Only the market will have the answer.