Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a move which appears to be progressing very quickly.
Initial links had only arisen over the weekend, and it now looks like the 23-year-old could become a Magpie in the very near future.
On Monday night, Fabrizio Romano confirmed Newcastle United placed a bid worth over €70million (~£61million) for Hugo Ekitike; however, it is believed that the fee could be even higher to make it a club record signing.
Ekitike famously rejected Newcastle in 2022, though he does not appear to hold a grudge with the club. It was just a case of chasing a dream when Paris Saint-Germain came calling.
Geordie Boot Boys understands Newcastle are ready to pay up to £70m for Ekitike, surpassing the £63m they paid for Alexander Isak three years ago.
With Ekitike to Newcastle advancing, the Magpies already have the perfect squad number available for him, though he may have some competition for it.
Hugo Ekitike could take the No.9 shirt at Newcastle United
The No. 9 shirt is any striker’s dream on Tyneside, a shirt number worn by Newcastle legends like Alan Shearer, Malcolm McDonald, and most recently Callum Wilson.
Last week, there was confirmation that Wilson had not renewed his Newcastle contract and is now a free agent, leaving his shirt number available for another player to take.
There was some speculation over whether Anthony Elanga would take the No.9 at Newcastle, but he may not want to as a right-winger.
Should Ekitike sign, the famous squad number will surely still be there waiting for him, a shirt number he has worn previously in his career. Elsewhere, there are other squad numbers he has previously worn available.
Ekitike wore the No.44 at PSG, and spent time as Reims’ No.34, a number that was previously worn by Dwight Gayle at Newcastle.
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Newcastle United could give the No.9 to Alexander Isak instarf of Hugo Ekitike
While the No.9 is available and seemingly waiting for him, Ekitike could end up being forced to pick another number if Eddie Howe has other plans.
Newcastle want Ekitike and Alexander Isak to be partners next season in what would be a truly devastating attack. In the meantime, there has been talk of giving Isak the No.9 at Newcastle.
The Magpies are eager to give the 25-year-old a new deal on Tyneside, and one of the incentives is believed to be the chance to wear the famous squad number.
Despite the offer, Isak has previously stated he is happy wearing the No.14 as it has given him luck in the past.
Talks over a deal for Ekitike have clearly intensified over the last few days, and Newcastle could soon have their hands on a quality striker to go alongside Isak.
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