ChronicleLive understands Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign Reims striker Hugu Ekitike. A fee in the region of £30million plus add-ons is what the Magpies must stump up to lure the forward to Tyneside.
Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan are also believed to be vying for Ekitike’s signature but it is Newcastle who are leading the race. The transfer window does not officially open until June 10 but several clubs are already doing business early.
United are yet to make a breakthrough but splashing out on the Ligue 1 hitman would be a statement of intent as Toon chiefs embark on their first summer at the helm. ChronicleLive has profiled Ekitke to analyse what supporters can expect if he does join the Saudi-backed revolution…
Background
Ekitike is a 19-year-old striker who has enjoyed a fine breakout season in France. He is eligible to play for Cameroon due to his father but was born in Reims and graduated through the academy of his boyhood club.
An impressive start to 2021-22 - his first season as a professional - saw him earn a call-up to the France U-20 squad. Ekitike is currently on international duty for the French youth side and came off the bench as they recorded a 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
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A prolific goal return saw Ekitike attract the interest of Newcastle in January. Despite spending just five months as a first-team player, Reims accepted a bid in the region of £25million for their asset on deadline day. However, the youngster rejected the Magpies’ offer, citing a desire to remain at Reims until the end of the season.
Speaking to L’Equipe following the saga, Ekitike said: “It happened quickly and it was not the time. It was better for me to stay here, to complete the full season and confirm myself.”
However, he did leave the door open for a move further down the line. After finishing his debut season with 10 goals in 24 outings, the 19-year-old will not be short of potential suitors.
“I consider myself ready for anything, whether that’s staying here or taking on a challenge,” Ekitike added. “I think clubs will show an interest in me. For my part, I’ll be quiet because I’m surrounded by the right people to manage this situation.”
Playing style
Ekitke has demonstrated remarkable prowess in front of goal for his age this season. Across Europe’s top five leagues, the youngster is the highest-scoring teenager, with 10 goals.
At 6ft 2in, you would assume his abilities lie predominantly in the air but this is not the case. He is regarded as the typical “poacher” who is effective in and around the penalty area. Reims have, on occasions, fielded Ekitike on the left flank - drawing comparisons to Thierry Henry - but, unlike the Arsenal legend, the Newcastle target does not possess blistering pace.
Interestingly, Ekitike only played the full 90 minutes for Reims five times last season - possibly highlighting a stamina issue as he gets to grips with the professional game. A lengthy hamstring injury post-January saw the striker miss two months of the season as Oscar Garcia’s men hovered around mid-table.
Another attacking option akin to Dwight Gayle - albeit with a greater potential - best summarises Ekitike’s playing style.
Where would he fit in?
Signing another striker would place Chris Wood’s Newcastle future under serious threat. The New Zealand international has struggled since arriving in January and Eddie Howe immediately called upon Callum Wilson at the first possible opportunity.
Likewise, Gayle would be deemed surplus to requirements if he was not already. As previously mentioned, Ektike is of a similar ilk to the former number nine and a £30million investment would make him the preferred backup option.
Howe ruled out fielding a two-man frontline last month and has preferred a 4-3-3 system since his appointment. It is likely the 19-year-old will have to settle for a place on the bench initially as he gets to grips with the English game.
There is always the chance he could light up the Premier League and give the Toon boss a positive selection dilemma. But for now, cameos and cup appearances seem the only plausible way Ekitke gets in ahead of Wilson - an astonishing suggestion given the mooted price tag.
Jean-Pierre Calliot - Reims’ club president - hinted at the youngster’s departure earlier in the year. He said: "The amount should be more than €20million. Afterwards, you have to know how to be reasonable. It's typically the kind of environment (Newcastle) where he could continue to grow and move on."
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