Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has provided a rather worrying claim regarding Hugo Ekitike and a potential move to Newcastle United on Deadline Day.
Newcastle have been crying out for goals this season – best demonstrated by the fact that they have scored the fourth-fewest goals in the Premier League so far, with just 21 goals scored in their 21 games.
They have made some inroads to try and correct that with the signing of Chris Wood from Burnley, but they also need to plan for the future, and that’s where 19-year-old Ekitike, who with eight goals in 18 appearances in Ligue 1 this season has some promising potential, comes in.
But speaking during Sky Sports News’ Transfer Talk, Downie claimed that whilst the deal was agreed between the two clubs with regards to the transfer fee, there might be some sticking points as it pertains to the player himself that could put the move in jeopardy.
He said: “I have to say, although the fee, as we understand it, has been agreed – £25m rising to £33m – time really looks like it might be against Newcastle’s side on this one.
“It’s our understanding that the player’s going to take a little bit [of] persuading to make the move to come here, and as you know, the clock is ticking down and time is running out.
“He would have to make that decision that he wants to come here to Newcastle and take on the project, travel over here, undergo his medical and sign the deal before the deadline this evening. So I would suggest that the time is running out a little bit for Newcastle due to the geography involved in that one.”
TIF Thoughts on Keith Downie’s comments about Hugo Ekitike and Newcastle United…
Could Hugo Ekitike save NUFC from relegation?
Yes
No
This certainly is a worrying claim for Downie to make, because time is certainly not something that Newcastle, or indeed any other club, have on Deadline Day as the end of the window approaches fast.
And this is certainly a crucial one for Newcastle to get done, because whilst Ekitike might not play a big role this year, with the likes of Chris Wood an experienced Premier League forward and Callum Wilson likely to lead the line when he is back from injury, he could very well be an important player for them moving forward as he has time on his side.
And the last thing Newcastle need is to miss out on this deal and open the door for someone else to come in and snap him up either during the summer transfer window. So with time ticking away, they’ll have to be quick if they are to get the deal over the line in time.
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