Borussia Dortmund signal interest in Reims striker Hugo Ekitike as they plan for life after Erling Haaland

According to Sport Bild, Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Hugo Ekitike from Reims this summer to replace Manchester City-bound Erling Haaland. The 19-year-old wunderkind was subject to very public pursuit from Newcastle during the winter transfer window, but he made the wise choice to stay and develop. Now a better option might be coming his way. Hugo has been monitored by several clubs throughout Europe. Even by top Premier League teams. However, the French U20 international is now determined on a move to BVB.

The 6ft2 striker is lanky and graceful. He is not yet the finishing monster that Haaland is, but he is thriving for Reims. He has netted 10 times in 24 senior appearances while recording four assists (0.86 G+A/90). It is only his first season in top-flight football, but he has been bright for Oscar Garcia’s youthful Reims team. There are only a handful of better places for a striker like Hugo to perfect his craft than at Dortmund under Marco Rose. The reports also claim that Hugo Ekitike will cost 25 million Euros.

The club from the Ruhr region is planning for Haaland’s departure this summer. They are about to close a deal for Karim Adeyemi, while another one for Nico Schlotterbeck is in the works. They have signed Niklas Sule too. The club is doing all it can to close the gap with 10-time champions Bayern Munich, but is it enough? Does signing young, talented, inexperienced players like Hugo Ekitike help? We’ll see.