Deco Is Clear About Barça's Top Priority to Strengthen the Squad in the Next Market: a Center Forward. In that position is where the major investment of the season will be made... with the intention of securing a present and future replacement for Lewandowski. Many names are emerging: from Julián Álvarez to Isak, but it seems there could be a surprise option that is being seriously considered.
Hugo Ekitiké: Deco's Surprise
Relevo has revealed that "someone linked to Barça" has brought up the name of Hugo Ekitiké, a forward from Eintracht. The Frenchman, 22 years old, is ready to move to a top-level team as he is completing a great season. So far, he has scored 19 goals and 8 assists in 38 matches, being a footballer who has seriously caught the attention of the sporting director Deco.
He is an interesting profile, which wouldn't require as high an outlay as the 'headline acts'. He is valued at about 40 million euros, and Eintracht seems willing to negotiate. There are pros and cons regarding the possible signing of Hugo Ekitiké, as, so far, he hasn't been seen in the elite. Whoever wants to do it will have to bet on him and trust that their plan works out well.
Barça Hesitates: Bets on La Masia
In this regard, the mentioned information points out that "Barcelona's bets will be with the young and very good footballers coming out of La Masia". It is true that Hugo Ekitiké is being closely followed, but there are positive and negative voices in this possible move.
So far, there are no advances in his possible arrival at Barça, although it is true that "monitoring" is being done and attention is being paid to his possible future.
Hugo Ekitiké: This Is How the Eintracht Star Plays
At FC Barcelona, they know they can't fail with this decision, which can mark the present and future of the sports plans. A top-level number nine is essential for this squad, especially considering Lewandowski's age (36 turning 37) and that his contract ends in 2026.
The option of Hugo Ekitiké is very appealing, being a young forward with projection, who can move both in the center and on the left. He has a lot of mobility, a goal-scoring instinct, and knows how to work well with his teammates in attack. He arrived this past summer at Eintracht for less than 17 million, and with a contract until 2029, they are now looking to make a lot of money with his sale.