Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that a move for Reims forward Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle is now “imminent”. The French attacker will become Newcastle’s second signing of the summer, after Matt Targett.
Targett completed a permanent move to St. James’ Park from Aston Villa after an initial half-season loan under Eddie Howe. Now, Howe has returned to another of his January targets to sign – in Ekitike.
Compared to Kylian Mbappe at times, 19-year-old Ekitike enjoyed a stellar 2021-22 campaign. Although he missed 10 consecutive Ligue 1 matches due to a hamstring injury, he still managed 15 goal involvements in 26 games.
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Reports this week stated that a move Ekitike is back on – which delighted Toon fans, amid interest from Arsenal. Now, transfer expert Jones says a deal is “imminent” and Newcastle fans can finally see Ekitike in a Toon shirt.
“The Ekitike deal is still on – Newcastle fans are just going to have to trust the process here. I’m told it is imminent but who knows what that means at this point in terms of a time frame.”
Ekitike move to Newcastle is now ‘imminent’
It is a deal that has been in the offing for some time. Finally, Ekitike will be on his way to Tyneside. A player that is naturally a striker but can play out wide if needs be. What does it mean for Chris Wood?
Callum Wilson returned to the Newcastle side from injury to start above Wood – who has just suffered defeat to Costa Rica and will not be at the 2022 World Cup. If Ekitike joins, could it mean Wood becomes third choice?
If so, Wood may have to consider at Newcastle already. Premier League clubs will certainly be interested, but Howe might see a role for all three to play, especially as Ekitike can do a job out wide.
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