Hugo Ekitike could miss out on a move to the Premier League in January with some at Newcastle United ‘majorly against’ signing the Paris Saint-Germain benchwarmer.
Oh how the tables have turned.
After Hugo Ekitike rebuffed their advances back in 2022 – despite Newcastle United agreeing a fee with Stade de Reims – the shoe is on the other foot these days, with the Magpies doing the rebuffing.
Ekitike, who was the subject of a number of bids from Newcastle early on in the PIF era, is currently out of favour at PSG. The Ligue 1 champions will not stand in his way should the talented, seldom-seen forward look to depart in January.
But while Newcastle continue to be linked, TEAMtalk believe that there are some at St James’ Park who are less than tempted by the idea of finally getting their mitts on a long-term target. And not just because Ekitike very publicly turned down a move to Tyneside just over a year ago.
Newcastle United have Hugo Ekitike doubts
The report adds that Ekitike remains ‘inexperienced’ and ‘untested’ in the eyes of some Newcastle figures. He is just 21 years of age, after all, and has only one season of regular first-team football under his belt. Ekitike has also played a grand total of nine minutes for PSG in 2023/24, his lack of progress in the French capital making a mockery of his £25 million price-tag.
“I’m not setting aside everything Newcastle did for me,” the France U21 international told Le10 Sport when moving to Paris on an initial loan deal.
“If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there. But when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.”
Looking back now, Ekitike may be wishing he had done precisely the opposite.
Magpies take on Paris Saint-Germain
Newcastle, TEAMtalk add, may be more inclined to move for Stuttgart’s well-travelled Serhou Guirassy, scorer of 15 goals in just eight Bundesliga starts this term.
The Magpies will also take on Ektike’s PSG side in the Champions League tonight, with the striker expected to miss out.
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