Reims striker Hugo Ekitike is now understood to have rejected a move to Newcastle United after taking time to consider a last-gasp deal.
Sky Sports reported (13:44) that Ekitike’s move to Newcastle was hanging in the balance despite agreeing a fee.
Newcastle offered a total deal of £33million to sign Ekitike, formed of £25million up front with £8million in add-ons.
That seemed to be enough to convince Reims, but it was stated that Ekitike was taking time to talk over the move with his friends and family.
That did seem to indicate that Ekitike was unsure about the move, and L’Equipe claim that Ekitike has now rejected Newcastle.
It’s stated that Ekitike has agreed with his representatives and will now stay at Reims at least until the end of the season.
With just a matter of hours left for Newcastle to look elsewhere, Ekitike’s snub is an enormous blow for the Magpies.
Ekitike, 19, has been outstanding this season with eight goals and three assists in Ligue 1, earning comparisons to David Trezeguet, Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappe.
Reims boss Hugo Ekitike has branded Ekitike ‘very special’, and the teenager has been backed for a huge future.
This is Ekitike’s first season of regular football in France though, and he seemingly feels it’s too soon to be moving on to Newcastle.
Add in that Newcastle aren’t safe from relegation and this move is just too big of a risk for Ekitike.
Newcastle seemingly wanted to go with an experienced striker in Chris Wood alongside an up-and-coming wonderkid in Ekitike.
That isn’t going to happen now, and Newcastle will have to scramble in the final hours of deadline day to find an alternative.
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