Transfer
Newcastle set to make move for Hugo Ekitike
A major claim has emerged on Premier League side Newcastle United and their interest in French striker Hugo Ekitike…
What’s the talk?
Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has revealed that the club will step up their pursuit of the 19-year-old in the summer as they attempt to bolster their attacking options. Stade Reims are prepared to cash in on the young talent and PIF are now looking to take advantage of the situation.
The reporter Tweeted: “NUFC will make a new move for Hugo Ekitike this summer – with Reims ready to sell the teenager. January’s deadline-day events won’t stop Newcastle going back in for Ligue 1 striker…”
This comes after Pete O’Rourke recently claimed that the Toon are set to be the ‘favourites’ to land him in the upcoming window after missing out on his signature in January.
Supporters will be delighted
The Magpies supporters will surely be delighted with this latest update as it means that the club will be making a bid/attempting to sign Ekitike in the coming months. Couple this with O’Rourke’s claim and you are left with the exciting prospect of the attacker landing at St. James’ Park ahead of next season.
Do Newcastle need a new striker?
After PIF failed to get a deal over the line on deadline day, as Wilson hinted at, the fans will be buzzing with their willingness to go back in for him. It shows that the owners do not want to settle for second best and are determined to get their number one target through the door to improve Eddie Howe’s options at the top end of the pitch.
This is an impressive mentality and shows that the club will not be easily deterred when chasing targets, lessening the chances of them moving further down their list of potential signings and bringing in someone who may not be as good as they hoped.
The supporters will, therefore, be pleased with the club’s approach and they will be delighted if it ends up working in the pursuit of Ekitike. In Ligue 1 this season, he has scored nine goals and provided two assists in just 14 starts for Reims, which shows that he has the quality to score goals on a consistent basis at the top level.
He also has the potential to improve further and develop over time. At the age of 19, he is a player Howe can work with in the years to come and supporters will surely be excited to see such a promising, young, gem join the club.
