Newcastle United have decided against pursuing a deal for Hugo Ekitike, with Eddie Howe set to focus on alternative targets.
According to Team Talk, Newcastle United will likely abandon their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike and chase other targets. The 21-year-old Frenchman has not found game time at Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants willing to let go of the forward in January.
Newcastle United have struggled for relevance following a host of injuries to their first-team squad. Eddie Howe has already outlined the need for an important January window to shore up their team, particularly if they make it to the Champions League knockout stages.
The Magpies have not performed well on their long-awaited return to the Champions League, as a defeat on Tuesday will all but end their European journey. They still have a chance to remain in the main competition and even go further, but going beyond that would take a massive investment in their playing squad.
Defensive injuries have hurt them the most this season, with Howe running with thin options during a crunch period. Hence, Newcastle United will likely focus on defensive reinforcements and a midfielder to replace the now-banned Sandro Tonali.
Ruben Neves remains their primary target to replace the Italian, as reports suggest they could green-light the move ahead of January. Many have also insisted Newcastle United will target a new striker in the next window, with several names mentioned.
Newcastle United have chased Hugo Ekitike, the 21-year-old Frenchman who remains out of favour at Paris Saint-Germain. The Ligue 1 side are open to letting him go after he refused to join Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer as part of a deal to sign Randal Kolo Muani.
Despite the complications, Kolo Muani signed for PSG and has established himself as the first-choice striker ahead of fellow summer arrival Goncalo Ramos. With the two fighting for a place to lead the line and other players competing for the wide areas, there’s no place for Ekitike.
While the Magpies held an interest, they are ready to abandon their pursuit in favour of alternative targets. Considering Newcastle’s financial restrictions ahead of January, they could have secured a loan move for the 21-year-old Frenchman against signing someone in a big-money deal.
They are keen on Serhou Guirassy, as the Stuttgart star will cost much more than Ekitike. Why they moved away from pursuing the 21-year-old Frenchman remains a big question, but suggestions point to it as a board decision rather than something Howe would have thought.
If Newcastle bow out of the race, it opens the door for West Ham and Crystal Palace in the hunt for Ekitike. Without any playing time under Luis Enrique, it’s safe to assume the 21-year-old Frenchman will move one way or another, as a Premier League transfer would appeal to his appetite.
