Newcastle United have reportedly agreed on a deal with Reims to sign 19-year-old prodigy Hugo Ekitike for a fee between £20-25 million.
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United have agreed on a move for Reims’ 19-year-old French prodigy Hugo Ekitike as a transfer is expected to be completed before the deadline. The move came about after the Magpies failed to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal.
Newcastle United have accelerated their transfer plans very late in the window. Despite signing Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood earlier this month, the club have been searching for more quality options, making some high profile moves so far.
The signing of Bruno Guimaraes was considered a statement after the Magpies announced the Brazilian midfielder’s arrival from Lyon yesterday. It seems they are not done with their transfer dealings, with at least two or three more transfers likely to go over the line.
They are on the verge of signing Dan Burn from Brighton to solve their defensive issues at the back, while Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett is also expected to arrive on loan before the transfer deadline. Now, Newcastle have agreed on a deal with Reims for their 19-year-old French prodigy Hugo Ekitike.
BREAKING: Newcastle United have had an offer between £20m and £25m accepted for Stade Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2022
Ekitike has been on the radars of English sides this month. West Ham United saw an offer rejected by Reims last week, although the Hammers were expected to go back with a new proposal. But it seems like Newcastle United have managed to sign the youngster from under the noses of the London side.
The Magpies have had a bid worth around £20-25 million accepted by Reims and are now on the verge of bringing the striker to English shores. The move for Ekitike was a late one considering Newcastle United were chasing Eddie Nketiah. The Magpies saw their latest bid rejected by Arsenal, as the north London side want to keep the forward.
Newcastle always wanted to bring in a young forward who could become a big part of their future sides. With Nketiah out of the picture, they did not waste time discussing a move for Ekitike with Reims. At the right price, the French club had no qualms about letting the striker leave.
There could still be more twists and turns in Newcastle’s window as more players could arrive in addition to the two or three already mentioned above. As for Ekitike, it’s a matter of time before the signing is announced as the 19-year-old French prodigy could become the Magpies’ latest big-money arrival.
