Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike is now believed to be open to signing for the Tyneside club this summer.
This is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has been discussing the latest Newcastle updates on the Que Golazo YouTube channel.
Reports have suggested the Magpies are closing in on the potential signing of the French striker, with a deal believed to be worth up to €35m (£29.8m) agreed between the two clubs.
Ekitike, who has even admitted himself that he’s ‘not afraid of anything’, made 24 appearances in Ligue 1 for Stade Reims over the 2021/22 campaign which saw him return 10 goals and four assists (via Transfermarkt).
And having come close in the January window, Romano now believes the 19-year-old would be open to making the move to St James’ Park.
He said: “Ekitike, this boy is a really special one. I know many people around the world, they don’t know so well about this guy, but he’s a really talented striker from Reims.
“The deal is in place between Newcastle and Reims – €30m plus €5m fee. Now it is about the agent, his agent is in discussion with Newcastle to reach a final agreement, let’s see if they will be able to do that.
“It’s about the commission, the salary, the contract. So there is a five-year deal on the table, the player seems to be open this time to join Newcastle, and so it could be a really interesting one.”
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
This will be music to the ears of Newcastle fans who were given the initial boost last week of the two clubs agreeing on the financial aspect of a potential deal.
Would signing Ekitike be a good start to the summer?
Yes
No
With the players open to joining Eddie Howe’s side, he could now become the first summer addition under the new ownership at St James’ Park.
And if he is to make the move, it will be interesting to see what role Ekitike will play on Tyneside given he would be arriving at a club where Callum Wilson is the number-one striker.