French club Reims look set to lose one of Europe’s hot prospects, Hugo Ekitike in the coming summer. Moreover, the striker was poised for a move to Newcastle United in the January transfer market. However, a move didn’t work out as Ekitike chose to be with Reims for the rest of the season. But Newcastle are ready to reignite their interest in the 19-year-old forward this summer. And Ekitike could green-light the move this time. Eddie Howe’s side finished 11th in the Premier League and as a result, the owners have handed him a handsome transfer budget. The Newcastle manager has Reims striker first on his list.
Newcastle almost landed Ekitike in January, even finalizing a fee with Reims. However, Ekitike remained with the French side, where his second half of the season was marred by a hamstring injury. Furthermore, it left Newcastle short on attacking options as the Magpies then signed Burnley striker Chris Wood. The 30-year-old arrived for a fee of £27 million and contributed only 2 goals in 17 appearances. As a result, Newcastle have prioritized reinforcing their attack this summer with a move for Ekitike.
Reims to sell only for the price earlier agreed with Newcastle
Hugo Ekitike has had a season to both celebrate and forget as well. The teenager had 10 goals and 3 assists in 23 games before sustaining a hamstring injury. Ekitike missed a massive 10 games but returned for Reims’ last three games of the season. He started from where he left, scoring one and assisting one in those three games. Ekitike finished the season with 11 goals and 4 assists in all competitions, a feat quite impressive for a 19-year-old.
Though he didn’t move to Newcastle in January, Ekitike looks certain to join Howe’s side in the coming weeks. However, Reims are not willing to renegotiate any terms with Newcastle. As the two sides had agreed on a deal for Ekitike in January, Reims wants to be firm on the same fee. It is being reported that Newcastle were ready to pay £26 million for Ekitike, which they later had to splash on Wood. Reims now wants £26 million only and are unwilling to lower the price.
In the face of interest from many of the top clubs across Europe, Newcastle will have to make a quick decision. Moreover, with £26 million well within their budget, Newcastle should look to wrap the deal up as soon as possible. As reported, Borussia Dortmund and PSG are both keeping tabs on Ekitike. Dortmund lost Erling Haaland to Manchester City and now wants to replace him with Ekitike. PSG meanwhile have shown interest but given Mbappe‘s renewal and Messi in the team as well, Ekitike’s chances could be limited at the capital club.
At the moment, Newcastle seems to be the best fit for the Reims striker. Moreover, the Magpies are desperate to have him on board to bolster their chances of fighting for European places next season. But Newcastle will need to hurry if they do not want to miss out on Ekitike for a second time.
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