Newcastle United
Premier League • England
Transfer fee set at £29.1m as Newcastle move to sign exciting Howe target is ‘confirmed’
Newcastle have seemingly been granted permission to secure the signing of Hugo Ekitike, with an official at one of the striker’s former clubs expressing his delight at the move.
The Magpies enjoyed a successful January transfer window, adding five new signings for a total cost of over £90million. Kieran Trippier has particularly impressed at right-back following his two Premier League goals so far.
However, the England right-back is now on the sidelines after fracturing a bone in his foot. And Newcastle’s failure to add a second forward to their ranks in January is another blow.
They had a deal for Reims’ France Under-21 international Ekitike all-but sealed until the move collapsed.
Indeed, that move seemingly fell by the wayside with the striker unwilling to leave his side midway through the season.
And while his form has also drawn attention from the likes of Borussia Dortmund, a move to Newcastle is seemingly closing in.
Furthermore, reports in France suggest the fee has been set at €35m (£29.1m), which represents a record-fee received for Reims.
Confirming the offer, Foot Mercato reveal Newcastle made the bid in January.
And amid claims a summer move looks to be on, an official at his former club, Vejle Boldklub, is delighted at the news.
Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike but contract clause puts transfer in doubt
Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike is ready for move but Reims want sell on clause in contract
Ekitike spent the second half of last season on loan with the Danish side, scoring three times and assisting two in 11 appearances.
Speaking to the French publication, technical director at Vejle, Henrik Tonder, insists his imminent move comes as a surprise.
“I don’t think anyone could have predicted his lightning progression, ” Tonder said. “So of course we were also surprised [at the fee Newcastle are willing to pay].
“We are just happy for Hugo and Reims, that both parties have the opportunity to achieve such a result.”
Hugo Ekitike talents assessed
With the move seemingly going through in the summer, Tonder has given an insight into Ekitike’s abilities.
“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,” Tonder explained.
“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.”
Tonder reckons Newcastle will be getting a great player and added: “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.”
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