Newcastle United are reportedly on the verge of signing Ligue 1 talent Hugo Ekitike, with the Magpies agreeing on a deal with Stade de Reims for the teenage striker that could reach as high as £40m.
According to RMC Sport, Newcastle will sign Ekitike in a deal that could top at €46m (£40m), with Eddie Howe chasing the 19-year-old attacker since the January transfer window, where the Toon were unable to sign the youngster after the forward himself rejected a move.
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However, just five months on from that transfer saga, Ekitike is now set to sign for Newcastle, becoming their first major addition in the summer window in a deal that should excite supporters, with the French youngster one of the most exciting talents in Ligue 1.
Hailed as ‘very special’ by Reims boss Oscar Garcia, Ekitike has been widely tipped to become a sensational attacker, with many clubs chasing the youngster over the past few months, namely Borussia Dortmund, who viewed the Frenchman as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland.
Yet, as we know, Newcastle have now won the race to sign Ekitike who last season bagged 11 goals in all competitions for Reims alongside five assists, and the arrival of the striker will add some much-needed firepower to the Magpies frontline.
Indeed, Howe did a sensational job keeping Newcastle well above the drop zone after all hope seemed lost when the English coach took over in late 2021, and now with Ekitike signing for the club, the Toon have the potential to create something special next season.
Newcastle signing Ekitike can lead the frontline for years to come
Ekitike looks destined for stardom regardless of who he joined this summer, yet for Newcastle, the Ligue 1 wonderkid has the potential to become the club’s leading striker for many years to come if the youngster can adapt to Premier League life early.
The attacker was impressive in Ligue 1 last season, and with Ekitike bagging double digits in goals, the forward will be hopeful of matching of exceeding this tally in the Premier League, a feat many Newcastle fans will be hopeful to see from their new striking saviour.
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