According to Le Parisien, Hugo Ekitike has now reached an agreement in principle to join PSG this summer, despite coming ever so close to joining Newcastle United.
The striker has been linked to Newcastle since the winter. He was apparently on the verge of joining the Magpies back in January, but a move collapsed after his parents reportedly told him to snub a move to Tyneside.
However, a deal was reignited this summer. A fee was agreed, Dan Ashworth reportedly told Eddie Howe that the player would be signing, but now, he’s seemingly on his way to PSG.
According to Graeme Bailey, at one point, Newcastle were 80% certain that they were going to land the French striker, but for one reason or another, that move has seemingly collapsed.
To be fair, we can absolutely understand why Ekitike has made such a decision.
With all due respect to Newcastle, PSG are a much bigger club and are much more likely to be competing for top honours this season, and as a Frenchman, the chance to stay in his home country will also be incredibly tempting.
Sadly for Newcastle, this could become something of a trend in the coming weeks.
The Magpies may be the richest club in the world, but if they’re targeting the likes of Ekitike, they will be seen as a small fish in a big pond in this window as the more-established elite clubs, such as PSG, will be able to beat them to these types of targets.
Unfortunately for United, their long pursuit of Ekitike seemingly won’t be resulting in the striker arriving at St James’ Park.
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