How Hugo Ekitike became latest young forward to flourish at Eintracht Frankfurt

At least until recently, there have been doubts as to whether Ekitike is ready to operate as a lone forward for one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Earlier this season, he thrived as part of a more traditional front two alongside Marmoush – the man Ekitike previously described as his “partner in crime” – with Eintracht coach Dino Toppmoller identifying this was how the striker succeeded in his Reims days.

However, Ekitike is rapidly proving the doubters wrong.

“Since Marmoush left, Toppmoller has found a system with Mario Gotze as playmaker behind him,” Michel explains.

“Ekitike has adapted, developed and now plays as a great lone striker. He is making quick steps. To start with, he only had a good game when he scored or got an assist, but now his all-round play means he can still have a good game even if he doesn’t do that.”

Should, as is widely expected, Ekitike depart Eintracht this summer, it will be for a handsome profit on the 16.5m euros it took to secure his permanent services 12 months back.

While ideally any club would love to retain their top talents, developing players and receiving significant returns on their investment through sales to what sporting director Markus Krosche has previously termed “end clubs” is all part of Eintracht’s master plan.

“There is no alternative,” Michel explains. “There are 10 or 12 clubs in Europe who, if they want a player, Frankfurt has no choice but to sell. We saw it in winter when Manchester City took Marmoush. The same thing now is happening with Ekitike.

“For the fans it is really frustrating and hard emotionally knowing they will lose their best player every year but it is the model. The club tell players that if they got an offer bigger than Frankfurt, they will be allowed to go. Krosche has to fulfil that promise if a big team is knocking.”

In recent years, Krosche has been good to his word, with Randal Kolo Muani- sold to PSG in September 2023 for an initial fee of 75m euros (£64.5m) – Marmoush and Luka Jovic – sold to Real Madrid in 2019 for a fee reported to exceed 60m euros (£51.6m) – all sold for vast profit.

“Krosche has huge trust,” says Michel. “He finds a lot of great talents in Europe and will find the next Ekitike for Eintracht Frankfurt.”