Ekitike is the latest success story of Frankfurt’s recruitment.
He was not unknown when he joined Frankfurt on loan in early 2024 but had fallen into a bit of a hole.
He had attracted the interest of other clubs, including Newcastle, when he was coming through at Reims.
Ekitike opted to join Paris St-Germain but could not quite break through amid the embarrassment of riches in the attacking department.
Frankfurt picked him up and signed him on a permanent deal a year ago.
He served as a lone striker and in a partnership under manager Dino Toppmoller.
During the first half of last season Ekitike and Omar Marmoush formed a fearsome pairing, but this was broken up when Manchester City signed Marmoush for £63m in January.
Frankfurt did not acquire a replacement for Marmoush and instead changed the tactical set-up. During the second half of the campaign Ekitike played up front, with two attacking midfielders behind him.
Ekitike is versatile and not a striker who only feels at home inside the box. When he played alongside Marmoush both swapped positions constantly.
Ekitike might not be the most dynamic player, but he can get by defenders with smart moves.
His tactical understanding is one of his great strengths, not just in possession but also when applying a high or midfield press.
