Paris Saint-Germain outcast Hugo Ekitike is on the radar of Newcastle United ahead of the January transfer window.
The Magpies are seeking reinforcements across different areas of the pitch in the January window amid an injury crisis at St James’ Park. In addition to a centre-back and central midfielder, they are understood to be in the market for a forward following injuries to Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
According to The Times, Newcastle United are plotting a January loan swoop for PSG’s Hugo Ekitike with an option to buy in the summer.
Ekitike, 21, spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at PSG, scoring four goals in just 14 starts amid 32 appearances across all competitions before joining the club permanently ahead of this season. However, following a failed move away from PSG in the summer, the forward has been effectively frozen out at Parc des Princes and has played just eight minutes of action this term – a clear sign he is surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique.
Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle United—Good option?
With Newcastle United low on firepower – owing to injuries to Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson—one might imagine Eddie Howe will feel inclined to strengthen his forward department in the winter window. Signing a quality forward who will add depth to the squad at St James’ Park appears to be an absolute must, along with a central defender and midfielder.
Despite things not working out as planned, Hugo Ekitike remains highly rated in French football and has a bright future ahead of him. The Frenchman could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition as he has the potential to develop into a key player for the Magpies. He could be the ideal long-term replacement for Wilson, who will turn 32 in February.
Eddie Howe needs another reliable goalscorer in his squad to cover and compete with Wilson and Isak, and Ekitike could be that player, given his goalscoring record for Reims before joining PSG. Although the 21-year-old might not be ready to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, he has the attributes to thrive under Eddie Howe at Newcastle and establish himself as a reliable performer in England.
Regular football could accelerate the ex-Reims striker’s development and Howe could play a vital role in his nurturing. The Toon Army have done well to identify talented young players in the last couple of windows, and Ekitike could be another smart investment for them.
However, it remains to be seen whether Ekitike would agree to a move to Newcastle as he previously rejected the chance to sign for the club.