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It’s happening for sure this time, whether you like it or not.
We have been reporting on the arrival of French youngster Hugo Ekitike from Stade de Reims for months. Newcastle already wanted to land the striker all the way back in January but Reims, simply put, had too high of a demand exceeding what the Magpies were willing to pay. The player, it was said back then, was interested in such a move as Newcastle is still a developing club and he’d find good opportunities on Tyneside. Of course, his club had to screw things up.
It now felt the other way around. SdR was willing to say for a much lower fee (around €20M plus bonuses) with the player having doubts himself as, you know, the likes of PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester United of late had come calling for his services.
But the Rumor Gawd just dropped the Unofficially Official confirmation of the deal. Kudos Fabrizio Romano for gracing the Twitterverse.
Hugo Ekitike has agreed a five year deal with Newcastle. Now it’s about final details to be discussed with Reims before deal completed. ⚪️⚫️ #NUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2022
Talented French striker was in BVB list but Newcastle have been pushing for months after January negotiations. pic.twitter.com/s1h1Y04eN1
I’m not saying it’s happened, but it’s definitely happening.
After Romano dropped the bomb, reactions and more information followed from other multiple sources and insiders.
#nufc remain in talks with Reims for Hugo Ekitike. One of 4 strikers under discussion. Fee £25m plus bonuses. They came close to signing player in Jan. If clubs can agree deal, personal terms on 5 year deal not expected to be problem. With @skysports_sheth & @SkySports_Keith
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) June 1, 2022
Newcastle making a breakthrough on striker hunt nice and early. Hugo Ekitike signing looking "more than likely" now, according to someone with knowledge of the deal. They want at least one more striker... #nufc
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) June 1, 2022
Reported this last month and it will not be anything like that amount. More like £10m up front and rest in bonuses #nufc https://t.co/TRUQ5xOsRh
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) June 1, 2022
Understand Newcastle are currently in discussions over a deal for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. The 19-yr-old wants to join the club & there is hope of progress. Package is €30m+. #nufc
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) June 1, 2022
Oh, and just in case, Newcastle seems to still be looking for another addition at the center forward position with Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the mix.
As per @SkySports_Keith not finalised and #nufc have made several moves for strikers. Toney & Calvert-Lewin too expensive at moment but not given up. Ekitike is a development project and plays mainly wide. Wilson’s form at end of season complicates things. Signing better tough
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) June 1, 2022
I don’t want to fully ruin the surprise and OFFICIAL announcement, so we’ll have another final post up when the transfer is confirmed by the new owners on the official platforms of the club. Until then, though, you can surely rest easy because Newcastle truly bagged this one over the mighty PSG and growing Manchester United.
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