Newcastle United will not sign Hugo Ekitike on deadline day as the Stade de Reims attacker has gone against his family to snub a late move, according to the Daily Mail (31/01, 16:17).
The Magpies made a last-ditch swoop on the Stade Auguste Delaune in a bid to strengthen Eddie Howe’s frontline. United have struggled in front of the goal in Premier League games so far this term, with only Norwich City (13), Burnley (16) and Wolves (19) scoring less (21).
Howe has stood at the St James’ Park helm for six of the Toon’s efforts over nine games in charge. But the 44-year-old is still yet to see the Tyneside natives score more than one in a single game. They last scored at least two in a 3-3 draw with Brentford with Howe absent.
Callum Wilson’s calf injury further worsened Newcastle’s attacking issues with the forward out for two-months. While the Magpies’ £25m signing from Burnley, Chris Wood, is yet to open his account. The 30-year-old fired the last of his three Clarets goals on November 20.
So, Newcastle held fresh talks with Stade de Reims, who accepted a £33m bid for Ekitike’s transfer on deadline day. The offer included potential add-ons for a 19-year-old talent with eight goals and three assists in 18 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, starting just 11.
Ekitike rejects Newcastle after Stade de Reims accept late transfer bid
However, despite Stade de Reims accepting Newcastle’s bid, Ekitike has rejected a transfer to St James’ on deadline day. The forward’s family and those close to the striker had sought to push the teen sensation to move to England. But their efforts failed to change his mind.
Reports by L’Equipe had already noted the forward had opted to stay at the Stade Auguste Delaune. But even the advice of those close to him proved insufficient to award Howe his new star attacker. So, the Toon’s late search for a striker signing may fail to materialise.
Howe may, then, have to make do with Wood, Joelinton and Dwight Gayle – who has only played seven-minutes since November – until Wilson returns from injury. While Ekitike will look to continue developing in Ligue 1, where he earns praise but shows areas to improve.
“This is his breakthrough season in Ligue 1, he is still really raw,” French football expert Julien Laurens recently told Sky Sports. “He’s not ready for an amazing season in the Premier League and 20 goals.
“He needs a bit of time, and yeah, it’s a lot of money for someone that you have to give time, that isn’t going to start every game and score tons of goals straight away.
“He’s tall and skinny, he needs to beef up a bit, he needs to be stronger in the challenges and all of that, but he’s got amazing talent,” he added.
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