Wolves have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike – but there is currently one big stumbling block.
Wolves have this morning confirmed the exit of Sasa Kalajdzic on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt, and there is now a clear need to sign a new centre-forward, with Fabio Silva having also left on loan.
There has been some talk of Danny Ings being a possible target for Wolves.
Che Adams of Southampton also apparently remains an option.
But this week, there have been claims that Wolves like Hugo Ekitike – a player the club kept tabs on while he was making his name at Reims.
Yesterday, a new report dropped about Wolves and their interest in Ekitike…
Hugo Ekitike salary is proving an obstacle for Wolves in their chase for PSG star
Le10 Sport have provided an update on Wolves’ pursuit of Ekitike.
The publication claim that PSG have a strong desire to part ways with the player, either on loan or with a permanent deal.
He is not someone Luis Enrique counts on, and has only played a paltry eight minutes of football this term.
Ekitike is said to have always had a soft spot for the Premier League, and Wolves are seemingly looking to help him realise one of his dreams.
But there is an issue for the club. While they have ramped up their efforts to sign him in recent days, Ekitike’s salary is high. At the moment, it is suggested that Wolves cannot match what Ekitike is earning in Paris. This is the ‘main obstacle’.
It would take the player agreeing to a salary cut for this move to happen, or perhaps PSG would need to pay a percentage of his wages if it was a loan.
Ekitike loan-to-buy could be a smart move
The Ekitike links are exciting because the youngster has huge potential. For one reason or another it hasn’t worked out for him at PSG, but at Reims he looked a serious talent.
Ekitike famously nearly joined Newcastle United before his £30 million transfer to PSG so there is a reasonable chance he will again consider Premier League moves this month.
Ideally, Wolves would get Ekitike on loan for the rest of the season and negotiate an option to buy on him.
Currently, Wolves still have to be mindful of their spending. Getting Ekitike on loan would really suit the club and its current situation, but seemingly, wages are an issue at the moment so it remains to be seen if there is some wiggle room.