Newcastle United’s £33 million bid for Ligue 1 wonderkid Hugo Ekitike took his former employers at Velje Boldklub by surprise, technical director Henrik Toder tells FootMercato.
While Ekitike certainly made an impression on loan in Denmark, few would have predicted that a bonafide Premier League giant would be submitting a truly monstrous bid just 12 months after he joined Vejle on a short-term deal.
Newcastle agreed a £33 million deal with Reims on the final day of the January transfer window.
But while the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier jumped at the chance to join Eddie Howe at the now-Saudi backed club, Ekitike wasn’t quite so convinced.
According to the teenager’s agent, there were concerns ‘about the sports project’ and Newcastle’s ‘short-term plan’.
Which Premier League club will Hugo Ekitike join?
Ekitike, scorer of nine goals in 21 Ligue 1 games this season, is all-but certain to leave the Stade Auguste Delaune sooner rather than later, even if Newcastle is not to be his eventual destination.
West Ham, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund have all been credited with an interest recently. Arsenal are also keen, via 90Min.
“I don’t think anyone could have predicted his lightning progression,” says Toder.
Ekitike scored just three goals in 11 games during his short-term spell at Velje Boldklub.
“So, of course, we were surprised (by the size of Newcastle’s offer). We are just happy for Hugo and Reims, that both parties have the opportunity to achieve such a result,” Toder adds.
“We have a very good relationship with Reims.
“They recommended Hugo to us. He’s a great talent who needed to play in a competitive league before being ready for the Reims first-team.
“Hugo took a little time to adapt, he was young, discovering a new country, new teammates, a new language.
“He didn’t play much at first but, mentally, he was strong. Behind his great talent, Hugo was a fantastic guy, smiling, funny and a gentleman. Everyone loved Hugo”
“Everyone could see his big potential. And he really tapped into it as he progressed through the season.”
Newcastle will reportedly return for Diego Carlos and Sven Botman in the summer. Jeremy Doku, Eberechi Eze and Moses Simon are also on their radar.
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