PSG star 'STILL IN SHOCK' after Deadline Day transfer MADNESS

Tom Weber

Updated: 2 Sept 2023 19:24 BST
3 min read

Luis Enrique, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Paris Saint-Germain outcast Hugo Ekitike is 'still in shock' after the Deadline Day madness at the French club.

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The 21-year-old had many suitors this summer, but in the end, he will be stuck at PSG until at least January, unless a Saudi club makes a late offer for him. Moreover, Ekitike almost ruined the French giants' Randal Kolo Muani move.

With the latter having officially gone on strike at Eintracht Frankfurt to force through a move, the Bundesliga club needed a replacement - and who better than Ekitike, who was part of the large PSG contingent deemed surplus to requirements that included even Kylian Mbappe at one point.

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Despite only arriving from boyhood club Stade Reims on loan last year - and only joining permanently this summer - PSG were trying to include Ekitike in the Kolo Muani transfer to sweeten the deal. The PSG outcast, however, had no intention to head to the Bundesliga, with his camp believing that Frankfurt didn't actually want him.

Instead, Ekitike, who wasn't really keen on leaving PSG in the first place, wanted to head to the Premier League, where he had reportedly already agreed personal terms with West Ham. His refusal to join Frankfurt caused the Kolo Muani transfer to be considered off at one stage, though PSG did ultimately strike a deal - without Ekitike.

But West Ham never made a serious offer for the Frenchman and now the player, unwanted and unhappy, is stuck at PSG.

Ekitike banished

According to L'Equipe, PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi was left fuming when he learned of the 21-year-old's refusal to join Frankfurt The Qatari bigwig became convinced that the striker was actively hampering the negotiations.

The youngster quickly became something of an internal scapegoat for the difficulties in striking a deal for Kolo Muani, which left the player in shock and PSG are reportedly still angry about the matter.

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Ekitike will not figure in what is bound to be a fiery clash with Lyon on Sunday where new PSG recruit Bradley Barcola will face his former teammates. In fact, it is not known when or if Ekitike will play for the Parisians again.