Reims Coach Reveals Why Ekitike Will Not Join Newcastle
Hugo Ekitike has attracted the attention of Newcastle United for some time, The 19-year-old has made a breakthrough in Ligue 1 this season, and although it was long thought He would sign for Newcastle United, his coach believes otherwise.
The Tynesiders have agreed with a fee of €31m (£26.4m) with Reims for the star player who scored nine times and contributed three assists in 23 matches in the league. However, earlier reports suggested the demands of
Ekitike's agent have put off Newcastle as he continued to be linked to other clubs.
Reims boss
Oscar Garcia
discussed the situation on Friday. Garcia told a news conference:
"He told me that he wanted to stay, but if Real Madrid or Barcelona arrive...
"I feel Hugo is calm. I spoke with him. He will have no problem staying at the club – and neither will I."
had to compete with Bundesliga sides like Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen for the teenager as Real Madrid was rumored to be interested in the player as well. However, with interest from Madrid subsequently being dismissed, Ekitike's short-term future could still be in Ligue 1 as Paris Saint-Germain is another club chasing his signature.
Although it seems like Eddie Howe’s men lost the opportunity of adding the Reims star to their squad, they are likely to improve with new summer signings. So far, they have signed Kieran Trippier, and the 19-year-old French striker will be with them soon, but they are looking to add a center half and at least two forwards, and for the defensive line, they have Diego Carlos in mind, and for their front line, they will add Chris Wood after his medicals on Wednesday.
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