Five replacements for Hugo Ekitike
Following Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool, Eintracht Frankfurt are in the search for a new striker. Their preferred option, Franjo Ivanovic, is close to joining Portuguese giants SL Benfica. That’s why I have identified five strikers that Markus Krösche should target instead.
First of all, I must say that it’s almost impossible to replace Hugo Ekitike with our financial possibilities. My dream transfer, Georges Mikautadze, would be the only player to even come close to Ekitike‘s profile. However, as Lyon avoided relegation, and many top teams are interested in the Georgian, he might exceed our budget. Should there be a chance to sign him, though, Eintracht must take it. Here are five more realistic options!
1 - Hamza Igamane 🇲🇦
Hamza Igamane is a 22-year-old Moroccan striker who currently plays for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. After just one year at the club, he’s already set to take the next step in his career. Igamane‘s technical abilities have impressed many top teams across Europe.
His biggest strength is his ability to beat defenders in one-v-ones. Last season he completed 1.91 successful take-ons in the Scottish Premiership – slightly more than Ekitike (1.82), who was one of the best dribblers in the Bundesliga. In the Europa League, Igamane even completed 3.33 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, which is incredible for a striker. While Ekitike excels at carrying the ball over long distances with to his incredible speed, Igamane proved to be better at progressing the ball through passes last season. The 22-year-old is a very creative forward – his single assist in the Premiership doesn’t tell the whole story. Actually, Igamane created so many chances that he would’ve deserved almost five assists, according to the data, but his teammates failed to convert the chances he created. Igamane was also a very clinical goalscorer for Rangers, exceeding his expected goals (9.02) by almost three goals (12). The Moroccan international could be a great partner for Jonathan Burkardt up top, playing the more creative part of our attack.
However, he would not come cheap. Rangers reportedly want up to €25m for the Moroccan international.
2 - Promise David 🇨🇦
Union Saint-Gilloise are incredible at identifying, developing and selling young players, especially strikers. You could say they’re the boutique version of Eintracht Frankfurt.
After Amoura, Boniface, Undav and Franjo Ivanovic, Promise David is their latest discovery. Union SG signed him for just €600k from the Estonian division. Before that the 24-year-old had already played in Canada, Croatia, the US and Malta. Following his breakout season in the Belgian Pro League, he’s now wanted by several big clubs in Europe. In contrast to Hamza Igamane, who is a more technical player, David would be the more physical option. Standing at 1.95m he’s a physical monster and a constant threat in the air. He could replicate Ekitike’s incredible hold-up play, at least to some extent. While he’s incredible at using his body to keep his opponents away, he still has room for improvement in his decision making and passing. His pass completion of just 53.7% is concerning and would have to be improved.
However, David isn’t a pure target man – he also likes to receive the ball in behind the defense and can be dangerous in transition. Despite not being the most explosive player, David‘s sheer strength makes him unstoppable once he gets running.
If he gets fed with through balls and crosses from players like Götze, Uzun or Doan, he could be a nightmare to defend against.
Powerful forwards like Promise David are in-demand in modern football, especially by Premier League clubs, meaning he would definitely have the potential to be sold on for profit in the future. Although, he would also cost up to €20m already.
3 - Mexx Meerdink 🇳🇱
AZ Alkmaar’s Mexx Meerdink is probably the most affordable option on this list. Unlike Igamane and David, 22-year-old striker was not linked with many European top clubs yet. That might be because he just scored 14 goals across all competitions last season. Transfermarkt value him at just €8m, however as he just renewed his contract a fee around €15m is more realistic. Anyways, I consider him one of the most exciting young strikers in European football. In fact, Meerdink‘s 14 goals last season are really impressive if you consider that he just played 1.462 minutes (that’s a goal every 105 minutes or 0.86 goals per 90 minutes). The Dutch striker doesn’t just score goals, though, he also creates many chances. When in the last third, he has great vision for better positioned teammates, finding them with clever passes. Meerdink likes to drop deep as well, receiving the ball to play short passes in the middle of the pitch. Despite being "just" 1.82m tall, Meerdink is also among the best strikers in the Eredivisie when it comes to heading, winning 5.46 aerial duels per 90 minutes. Although he’s not great at carrying the ball, the Dutchman did complete 1.09 successful dribbles last season, which is pretty good for a striker.
Mexx Meerdink would make an excellent deep-lying forward in a front two, creating chances for Burkardt, Wahi or Batshuayi while still getting plenty of shots himself.
4 - Elizier Mayenda 🇪🇸
Elizier Mayenda is a very dynamic and versatile forward, currently playing for newly promoted AFC Sunderland. The 20-year-old Spaniard, who can also play as a winger, is very quick and agile with the ball at his feet. He’s outstanding at dribbling and carrying the ball. When he gets the ball, Mayenda instantly drives forwards, getting past defenders with ease. Last season he completed 4.32 progressive carries and 2.09 successful take ons per 90 minutes.
Mayenda only played 10.94 passes per 90 minutes last season (bottom 1%), showing his direct style of play. What must also be said is that Mayenda only scored 8 goals in 45 Championship matches. I still believe he could be a great addition to our attack, adding a more dynamic and fluid element alongside Jonathan Burkardt, who is the more box-oriented and clinical striker.
However, Sunderland will probably not be ready to let their promotion hero, who scored in the playoff semi final and final, leave. Eintracht would likely need to offer more than the €12 million Transfermarkt valuation.
5 - Franculino Dju 🇬🇼
The last name on our list is Franculino Dju from Midtjylland. Similar to Mayenda, Franculino, a 21-year-old from Guinea-Bissau, is a very quick and dynamic striker, who is great in transition. Last season he completed 1.70 successful dribbles per match in the Danish Superligaen. He’s also a versatile forward, who could play in almost any attacking setup.
The Benfica academy graduate scored 11 goals in both of his two seasons for Midtjylland since joining in 2023. This might not sound very impressive, but at his age those are pretty promising numbers, especially when considering that most of his goals came in the Superligaen championship round. In 2024, Franculino even scored the decisive goals to crown Midtjylland Danish champions.
However, Eintracht Frankfurt wouldn’t be the only team to fight for Franculino‘s signature. Many European top clubs are monitoring the 21-year-old – Dortmund and Leverkusen were recently mentioned. Midtjylland will probably demand a solid fee, exceeding his €13m Transfermarkt valuation. A brace in his first game of the new season, including a bicycle kick, may have even added another million to his price tag.