Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport that Hugo Ekitike chose to reject Newcastle as he did not want to sit on the bench under Eddie Howe. The French star was the subject of a deadline-day move from the Toon.
Ekitike, 19, was strongly linked with a move to Tyneside in January. He has had a hand in 11 goals for Reims this season – scoring eight and creating three in 18 league games. Three goals, and two assists, in his last five.
90Min, among others, reported that Newcastle had a £33million bid accepted for Ekitike on Monday – but the player chose to reject a move. That is, despite his family wanting him to move to England.
The Athletic report that Newcastle could return with an offer in the summer. Now, Sky Sports reporter Downie has given an update to GMS on why Ekitike turned down a move – and it was concerns over game time.
“I just don’t feel that he wanted to come and be a substitute. He’s a starter at Reims, his hometown club. He wasn’t sure about the project at Newcastle and the fact that he wouldn’t have started every game,” Downie said.
Downie on Ekitike: Frenchman ideal for Newcastle cover
But his decision is a fair one. As Downie states, he starts week in, week out for Reims – despite a recent suspension. It is his boyhood club and while a move to England is inevitable, why would he do it to sit on the bench?
Newcastle have already brought in Chris Wood and when Callum Wilson is fit, Ekitike will be third choice. But, his versatility – allowing him to play out wide – would make him a really useful option from the bench.
If Newcastle get any whiff in the summer that he might be tempted to swap Reims for the Toon, they have got to go after him.
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