Journalist Lee Davey has heaped loads of praise on striker Hugo Ekitike – who has been linked to Newcastle United – while speaking on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel.
The Magpies tried to sign Ekitike during the January transfer window after signing Chris Wood for £25m, but the young striker decided to remain in France. However, after a full season in the top flight, he could now be ready to move.
It has been reported by several journalists including Fabrizio Romano that Newcastle are edging closer to a deal to sign Ekitike, with a five-year contract reportedly agreed between the Magpies and Ekitike himself.
Davey, who has often covered Ligue 1, spoke at length about Ekitike and the type of player Newcastle could be getting.
He said: “It’s important that people understand that this is his breakout season. He’s 19, this was his first season in Ligue 1, and for him to now go and get this move is huge, and I really think that Newcastle are getting a hell of a player here.
Who is a better striker?
Ekitike!
Wood!
“I’ve only ever seen him really going to Newcastle or Paris Saint-Germain – they’re the two teams that really, for me, were going to be able to pick this guy up, and Newcastle have got in there first.
“I really do feel that it could be one of the signings of the summer. I just hope that it works out for him, because he’s a good lad, he’s a good kid, he’s got bags of talent, and I really think he’s going to bring a lot to the Newcastle team.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike…
Earlier in the year, it was reported by The Northern Echo that Newcastle’s recruitment team were convinced Ekitike would be a ‘major success in the Premier League’ and on Tyneside, though to spend so much on a young player will put a lot of pressure and faith in the striker.
Ekitike has only been a regular in first-team football for a single season, but his 10 goals and three assists in just 15 Ligue 1 starts have done enough to convince PIF and the Magpies that he can be the right man to compete with the experienced duo of Wood and Callum Wilson.