The Magpies are closing in on the signing of teenage sensation Hugo Ekitike from Reims, reports the Guardian. The club chased after the forward in the January transfer window and even had a bid worth up to 33 million pounds accepted by the Ligue 1 side, only for the move to fall through on deadline day. Since then, Ekitike has attracted attention from European heavyweights such as Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite facing failure in their earlier pursuit of the youngster, Newcastle are back in the race for his signature – and leading it, as things stand. As per the report, the Magpies have had a 25.6 million pounds plus add-ons fee accepted by Reims and have subsequently tabled a five-year offer in front of the player. Ekitike is yet to respond to the proposal, but, says the report, he is prepared to leave his boyhood club to play in the Premier League.
Born and bred in Reims, 19-year-old Ekitike joined his local side in 2013 before spending six years in the academy. The Frenchman was promoted to the reserve team in 2019 and later left on loan to Danish club Vejle BK.
However, at the start of the 2021/22 season, Ekitike found himself a part of the Reims senior setup; he would go on to enjoy a breakout season, scoring 11 times in 26 appearances across all competitions, earning comparison with compatriot Kylian Mbappe, and attracting the attention of several of Europe’s top clubs.
Additionally, Newcastle are also linked with Lyon’s Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paqueta. The Magpies previously signed midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from the same club – and are hoping to reunite him with his former club-mate in Tyneside. Atletico Madrid’s out-of-favour left-back Renan Lodi has also been mentioned as a target in the English rumour mill.
