Doubt has arisen over Hugo Ekitike’s proposed move to Newcastle United after he left the pitch injured in France’s Under-20s clash with Mexico. The Reims striker was playing in his nation’s semi-final clash at the Toulon Tournament but was withdrawn after just five minutes with the scoreline still goalless.
With the injury seemingly a strain or a tear to the hamstring, it will worry those negotiating a deal for Ekitike at St James’ Park. It could rule the young forward out for an extended period of time which, in turn, means Eddie Howe and co could begin to explore other targets.
There will be real concern on Tyneside over the long-term durability of the 19-year-old as he missed more than a quarter of the recently-finished Ligue 1 season with a hamstring injury. Considering the problems Callum Wilson has had with his fitness, Howe won’t want another striker that is unavailable for large parts of the season, especially not for the price that is being suggested.
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Fabrizio Romano claimed that Ekitike’s agent was due in Newcastle on Monday to iron out the final intricacies of the deal but that trip had already been delayed. Further delays will now be expected as the Magpies sweat over the outcome of a scan that will undoubtedly follow his early withdrawal.
A setback of anything more than a couple of weeks or so will likely leave the recruitment team returning to square one in terms of their pursuit of a new striker. Despite the move nearing completion, it wouldn’t be crazy to expect that a contingency plan of some sort will have been in place to account for a situation like the one that has presented itself.
Although, before any big decisions are made by United, they will be keen to know the extent of his injury. Anything remotely serious is likely to seriously jeopardise a transfer that had looked for some time as though it was all-but done.
