Former Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike won’t have ‘any regrets just yet’ over his decision to join Paris Saint-Germain, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The talented 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to St. James’ Park in the previous transfer window before sealing a switch to the reigning Ligue 1 champions instead.
What is the latest news involving Ekitike?
90min revealed back in June that Newcastle had pulled out of their bid to sign Ekitike from Stade Reims after their protracted talks over his signature reached an impasse.
It’s believed that the Magpies had agreed a deal with Reims for the France Under-20 international while personal terms with the player were also in place.
However, negotiations with Ekitike's agent - who wanted additional fees and payments - proved too much to overcome and Newcastle decided to walk away from the deal, focussing their attention on alternative targets instead.
Ekitike then moved to PSG on a season-long deal, with Christophe Galtier’s charges holding the option to turn the transfer into a permanent one for around £30 million.
Yet the versatile attacker has found it impossible to displace any of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe or Lionel Messi so far and has had to settle for a place on the Parisians' bench.
What is the latest new involving Ekitike?
Ekitike is yet to make a start for PSG, but O’Rourke doesn’t believe he will be lamenting his decision to join the capital club over Newcastle at this moment in time.
In an interview with GiveMeSport on Wednesday, he said: “I don't think he'll have any regrets just yet.
“It's hard to get into that star-studded PSG attacking frontline with those players ahead of him in the pecking order, but he's a young player Ekitike, and PSG do have high hopes for him in the future as well.”
Why was Ekitike so in-demand?
Ekitike enjoyed a breakout season for his boyhood club Stade Reims last term, registering 11 goals and five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions.
The youngster did miss large portions of the campaign after picking up two red cards and a serious hamstring injury, but that didn’t deter his potential suitors from making a move.
Galtier has only awarded Ekitike 66 minutes of action so far this season, though, and he is yet to record a single goal contribution for his new employers.
It remains to be seen if Ekitike can make his mark at PSG, and he may have to remain patient for a little while longer if he wants to displace any of their forward line.