Chris Waugh has admitted on Pod on the Tyne that Hugo Ekitike could still join Newcastle United this summer.
Newcastle United had spent many months pursuing Hugo Ekitike from Reims despite the 20-year-old only having one full season of top-flight experience under his belt, however, all their work appears to have come undone as any deal is now said to be off.
This is reportedly because the Magpies grew frustrated with the player and his agent over demands and additions fees they wished to place into Ekitike’s contract, however, all hope may not be lost if what Waugh has said is true.
The Athletic correspondent admits he would not be shocked to see Ekitike still turn up on Tyneside.
(44:30) “I wouldn’t yet write that off completely, not for now, because if Paris Saint-Germain don’t end up signing him and ends up having no else to be going, I still wouldn’t be surprised if later in the summer the agent returns with his tail between his legs and tried to do a deal with Newcastle.
Do you still want Newcastle to sign Ekitike?
Yes!
No!
Whether Newcastle have already signed someone by then is a different matter but they do really like Ekitike and he has been a long-term target.”
TIF Thoughts on the Ekitike situation…
Many fans and people within Newcastle may already be set on the fact they don’t wish to have Ekitike within the squad if he wasn’t completely sold on the move and project on Tyneside as he may not fit in with the positive and great ethos created by Eddie Howe last season.
However, the fact he has been coveted by the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG would suggest that he has some very good talent and ability within him, so the Magpies may well swallow their pride and try to help develop Ekitike both on and off the pitch to become a better player and person at such a young age.