Hugo Ekitike marked only his second start for Paris Saint-Germain by setting up a goal for Neymar during last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Ligue 1 surprise packages Lorient. In what has been a frustrating debut season in the French capital, this was a rare moment of joy for a £30 million back-up.
One who has made no secret of his frustration during a testing adaptation period in Paris.
“When you have the attacking trio that we have at PSG, when you play in place of one of the three, there is a comparison,” head coach Christophe Galtier told L’Equipe recently, highlighting the difficulty Ekitike faces when fighting three of the 21st century’s finest forwards – Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe – for a place in a star-studded frontline.
“He was rightly disappointed a few times not to start certain matches. He was disappointed. I gave him the reasons for my choices. Obviously, he is a talented player, who must compensate for his lack of playing time in training.”
Hugo Ekitike turned down Newcastle United for Paris Saint-Germain
It is well-documented that Ekitike, who burst onto the scene with Reims last term, turned down Newcastle United in favour of PSG. Even after the Magpies had agreed a fee over the summer.
“I’m not setting aside everything Newcastle did for me,” Ekitike tells Le10 Sport . “If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there. But when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.”
And while his moment will almost certainly come (Messi and Neymar are both the wrong side of 30, while Mbappe’s future is once again uncertain) Ekitike’s story feels like a cautionary tale for another exciting young talent who also faces a choice between one of Europe’s elite and a club hoping to join them at the top table.
Per 90Min, there is confidence at St James’ Park that Vasco da Gama’s Andrey Santos will end up on Tyneside. Newcastle are willing to invest £30 million in the tireless teenager. PSG are not giving up just yet however, say Le10 Sport. As far as Newcastle have come, they cannot offer a package quite as illustrious as PSG yet. Or, indeed, the prospect of European football.
A warning sign for Andrey Santos
What PSG boast in terms of glamour, however, they lack in terms of guaranteed, first-team opportunities.
Neither Renato Sanches nor Spain internationals Fabian Ruiz and Carlos Soler can be sure of a place in Galtier’s XI. Between them, the trio have started just nine league games in 2022/23.
So, realistically pseaking, what chance would 18-year-old Andrey Santos have?
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