Vejle technical director Henrik Tønder was surprised to see Hugo Ekitike linked with a reported £35million move to St. James' Park in the January transfer window.
Reports on deadline day suggested Newcastle agreed a fee for the 19-year-old, but the forward opted against a move to St. James' Park.
The young forward has been one of the standout prospects in Ligue 1 this season, but spent last year on loan with Danish side, Vejle Boldklub.
Tønder, the technical director at the club, claims the young forward has huge potential but was surprised to see him linked with such a big money move.
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“I don’t think anyone could have predicted his lightning progression, so of course we were also surprised [the amount offered by the Magpies]. We are just happy for Hugo and Reims, that both parties have the opportunity to achieve such a result,” Tønder told SportWitness.
Ekitike scored three goals and notched two assists during his time in Denmark and Tønder has given an insight into how the loan move came about.
“We have a very good relationship with Reims and their assistant sporting director. They advised us Hugo because he was a great talent who needed to play in a competitive league before he was ready for the Reims first team,” Tønder added.
“Hugo took a little time to adapt, he was young, discovering a new country, new teammates, a new language. He didn’t play much at first, but mentally he was strong. Behind his great talent, Hugo was a fantastic guy, smiling, funny and a gentleman. Everyone loved Hugo.
“Everyone could see his big potential and he really tapped into it as he progressed through the season. (…) When he scored his first goal for Vejle, we all understood that everything was going to follow.”
