According to Fichajes, Hugo Ekitike is steadily emerging on the list of targets for Real Madrid when they decide to sign a new striker. The Spanish giants are not planning an immediate attempt to lure the Frenchman from Liverpool, although they could face the threat of Manchester City in the race when they attempt to make a move.
Hugo Ekitike was a curious signing by Liverpool in the summer, which happened in the middle of their chase of Alexander Isak. The fans have dreamed of having both their strikers fit and firing, although the latter’s serious injury has put massive responsibility on the Frenchman this term.
Ekitike has produced good numbers in his first season in England, with 17 goals and six assists to his name across all competitions. Liverpool are extremely happy with the Frenchman and views him as a big prize to their puzzle for the long-term future.
Real Madrid have been linked of late with Ekitike ahead of the summer, although the Spanish giants are not realistically thinking about exploring a move immediately. However, the club feels they want to bring in a new striker in 2027, which might see them chase the highly talented Liverpool forward.
Should there be an attempt for Ekitike, Real Madrid would know they must pay a massive fee for the attacker, given he has a long-term contract and great importance at Liverpool. For now, the Reds are not even worried about the attacker leaving, although should his situation change over the course of the next campaign, the Spanish giants will be ready.
Manchester City are surprisingly interested in Ekitike as a future option, much like Real Madrid. The Spanish side will face the threat of the English giants if they were to chase Ekitike in the future, as Pep Guardiola’s side are possibly worried about Erling Haaland’s long-term future. They will only sell the Norwegian only for a record price, and Real Madrid are incidentally one of the handful of clubs interested.
Ekitike might be seen as a viable replacement for Haaland, although in the current moment or in the future, it is difficult to see Liverpool selling him to their rivals, Manchester City. As for the Frenchman himself, he may not feel the appeal of joining teams like Manchester City or Real Madrid to play second fiddle behind Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, respectively, which points towards him staying at Merseyside.
