PSG complete one-season signing of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike after ‘Newcastle walked away from a deal to sign the young forward’.
- Paris Saint-Germain have completed the loan of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike
- The 20-year-old scored 11 goals in 26 games in all competitions last season
- He was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle in the January transfer window
Paris St Germain have announced the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Stade de Reims for a season with an option to buy.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a successful breakout campaign in league 1 last season with 11 goals in 26 games in all competitions.
Ekitike becomes PSG’s third major signing of the summer after being secured Nuno Mendes permanent and Vitinha from Porto.
Paris Saint-Germain have completed the loan of striker Hugo Ekitike from Stade de Reims
Ekitike told the club’s official website: “It’s a mix of a lot of feelings, a lot of emotions. I’m obviously very happy and proud to sign with Paris. It’s a really proud moment to be here.
“My heart has chosen Paris. I’m French too, it’s the club from my country. And it’s a club where the best players play, where there are quality and experienced staff, and where there is a desire to win all trophies in all competitions.
“There is everything I can improve here. All the ingredients are here, so being here is a logical choice for me. After all, I have family in the Paris region myself and have always followed Paris Saint-Germain. All of this makes it natural for me to want to join this club. It’s the right choice for me to be here!’
He added: “I’m a player who really likes nice touches. So my goal is to make people who come to see the games happy. That’s my way of seeing things.
The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle but is now staying in France
“I like the aesthetics of football and I think Paris is the best place to play like that. And then there are the statistics, which are very important in football today, and the will to make the team shine.”
Newcastle chased the Ekitike’s signature throughout January but were unsuccessful and resulted in them signing Burnley striker Chris Wood.
The French champions have an opportunity to buy Ekitite for £25.5million, a fee below the one offered by Newcastle.
Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot said the club must not stand in the way of the France U-20 international.
Eddie Howe’s search for a new forward continues as he looks to ramp up his attack
Speaking to l’Union, he said: “We didn’t quite reach the sum offered by Newcastle but Hugo Ekitike was always respectful towards the club.
“We are happy that he can fulfill his dream.”
Newcastle need to find another attacker to strengthen their front and compete with Wood and Callum Wilson.
Dwight Gale is still a magpie but he could be on his way out of the club this summer as several Championship sides are interested in his signature.
