The genius bargain striker deal that could bolster Newcastle United’s front-line in January

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is facing up to a new challenge this season as he looks to continue what has already been an impressive time in charge at St. James’ Park.

After preserving the Magpies’ Premier League status following his appointment in November 2021, the former Bournemouth manager went on to lead the club into their first major cup final last season when they fell to a 2-0 Carabao Cup Final defeat against Manchester United.

But perhaps the biggest surprise was the Magpies consistency in the Premier League as the likes of Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak played influential roles in helping Howe’s side secure a top four finish and bring an end to their two-decade absence from the Champions League.

Howe’s attempts to bolster his squad in preparation for a return to European football’s top table saw AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes, Southampton full-back Tino Livramento and Chelsea’s highly-rated youngster Lewis Hall all join the Magpies during the summer transfer window.

But it was United’s decision to not add to their forward ranks that caught many by surprise as Howe looks to navigate the first half of the season with just Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson as his main options to lead his attack. There is one option said to be available to Newcastle or any other potential suitor - and it is a player that has been on the Magpies radar during recent transfer windows.

Who is Hugo Ekitike?

The former France youth international made his name with Ligue 1 clubs Reims after breaking into their senior setup following some impressive displays in their academy system. A productive loan spell with Danish club Velje set him up for a return to Reims and he went on to score eleven goals and provide four assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.

That captured the attention of several clubs across Europe and Ekitike was believed to have snubbed interest from Newcastle United on the final day of the January 2022 transfer window after the Magpies had agreed a £30m fee with Reims. The St. James’ Park club reignited that interest during the following summer but Ekitike once again snubbed their advances to join Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan deal that was converted into a permanent move this summer.

What is Ekitike’s record at Paris Saint-Germain?

After joining PSG on an initial loan deal in the summer of 2022, Ekitike went on to score four goals and provide four assists in 32 appearances in all competitions during his first season at the Parc des Princes. However, just 14 of those appearances came as part of the starting lineup as Ekitike was forced to play a supporting role to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

A similar pattern has followed in the early weeks of the current campaign with Ekitike enjoying just eight minutes of on-field action in the season opener against Lorient. Since that goalless draw, the young forward has been an unused substitute in Ligue 1 meetings with Toulouse and Lens and was not named in the matchday squad for league games against Lyon and Nice, as well as the midweek Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund.

What has Ekitike said about Newcastle’s previous interest?

Asked if he had made a mistake in snubbing Newcastle to join PSG midway through last season, Ekitike said: “No, I know why I came here.

“Of course, when you arrive at a club like this, there are a lot of expectations. People are waiting for performances and inevitably, if they don’t come, people will naturally ask questions. Me, I play in a position where I will always be questioned, especially because I came with a big transfer fee.

“This (expectation due to the transfer fee) I have to accept it and I do. It’s not a concern. If I play badly I’ll be the first to say it. If I play well, I’ll be there too and I’ll continue to be good.”

What have Newcastle said about Ekitike?

Speaking about Ekitike after he opted for a move to PSG, Magpies manager Eddie Howe said: “It’s no secret that we really liked Hugo and we worked hard to try and do that deal. He’s a very talented lad and he decided to go to PSG.

“I have no hard feelings toward him and wish him well in the next phase of his career. I really do wish him luck. But it is an example of the types of clubs we’re competing with to try and improve our squad. It’s not as easy as people think it is and you’re going to miss out on targets and look at other options. I’ve done that before in my career and I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

Could Ekitike be a genuine target in January?

Newcastle have a history of showing their patient side to land a transfer target after the likes of Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman both ended up at St. James’ Park after prolonged attempts to sign both players. Yet you suspect Ekitike will be unlikely to follow that example after snubbing moves to Tyneside in both the January 2022 and summer 2022 transfer windows.

Although there is no questioning his talent, the France Under-21 forward never really seemed sold on a move to Newcastle and it was be something of a surprise if that view has changed, despite the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League.