After months of trying, Newcastle United are still yet to complete a deal for Hugo Ekitike.
The teenager almost joined the Magpies in January, but turned down a deadline day deal in favour of staying with Reims.
Newcastle haven’t been put off though, and have made a fresh attempt to sign the forward this summer.
There have been claims of a £26million fee being agreed, while the Northern Echo believe Ekitike has agreed a move to St James’ Park.
However, we are still yet to complete a deal. It looked like Ekitike was going to be our first signing of the summer, but that honour has gone to Matt Targett.
It’s taking a long time, but the Athletic’s Chris Waugh believes a deal for Ekitike is still on the cards. However, it’s ‘complicated’.
Chris Waugh explains why it’s taking Newcastle so long to sign Hugo Ekitike
Waugh has spoke about the Ekitike situation on the latest episode of the Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne podcast.
“It’s very very complicated in terms of the way Newcastle are trying to do it. You will hear the same for a lot of transfers over this summer,” Waugh said.
“What Newcastle are trying to do with Ekitike is they want to pay it over instalments. That’s primarily to maximise the budget they have for this summer, partly to do with financial fair play regulations, partly to do with the fact they want to do quite a lot of business this summer.
“A deal is almost in place with Reims. They’re now talking to Ekitike’s people to try and bring him in. He seems to be receptive in many ways but equally I think his people are also holding on to see if any other clubs become involved.”
‘Complicated’ deal will be worth it in the end
With Ekitike, hopefully it’s a case of ‘good things come to those who wait’.
This deal has certainly been a long time coming, and we’re still yet to reach a conclusion. But the 19-year-old is very highly rated and could have a very bright future. That’s why Newcastle are trying so hard to get this deal done.
The Magpies’ desire to pay in instalments is delaying a deal, but does make sense. As Waugh says, Eddie Howe wants to do a lot of business this summer, meaning the club need to be very flexible with their transfer budget.
While we do have incredibly wealthy owners, that doesn’t mean we can just spend whatever we want. With financial fair play cause for concern, we need to be careful how we invest. Make mistakes now and we’ll pay for it in the future.
In contrast, Reims and any other club we’re dealing with will ideally want as much money up front as possible.
If an agreement can’t be reached, there is a worry that someone else could come in and steal him from underneath our noses.
But there appears to be a willingness from all parties to agree a deal. It’s certainly a signing that would excite supporters, who’ve heard a lot about Ekitike about the past six months.
With the ability to play anywhere in attack, he could provide the backup we need for Callum Wilson, whilst also adding goals from out wide.
Ekitike is an incredibly exciting player who will hopefully be wearing black and white very soon.
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