Newcastle United are once again going to try and sign Hugo Ekitike from Stade Reims this summer.
The French forward almost joined the Magpies in January, emerging as one of the club’s more intriguing targets.
Ekitike was first linked following the Callum Wilson injury blow, amid talk of a move for Chris Wood as well. The New Zealander arrived, but that didn’t end the club’s interest in Ekitike.
Newcastle made a fresh move on deadline day, and almost got a deal done. A price of £33million was agreed for the teenager, but ultimately he decided against a move to the North East.
But despite being snubbed, the Magpies are still keen to bring Ekitike to St James’ Park. And the recruitment team have high hopes.
Hugo Ekitike can be a ‘major success’ at Newcastle
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle’s recruitment team are ‘convinced’ that Ekitike can be a ‘major success in the Premier League’.
That’s why the club are still pursuing him, despite already being told no in 2022.
To be fair to Ekitike, you can understand why he decided to stay in France previously. It was a sensible decision, even if things haven’t gone plan due to injury.
Newcastle were in a difficult position, and it wasn’t clear how much football he’d play given the arrival of Wood and the possible return of Callum Wilson.
But the fact Newcastle are still keen shows how much they value Ekitike. Hopefully their persistence leads to the nine-goal striker changing his mind about a move to St James’ Park.
Indeed it does now seem as if the time has come for him to depart.
Even Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted as much, telling Europa One that his star striker was very likely to leave this summer just a few weeks ago.
If he does leave, Eddie Howe could have an emerging star in his ranks. This is a young man who has been branded ‘special‘ by his manager Oscar Garcia. He’s also been likened to Kylian Mbappe, after all. High praise indeed.
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