Newcastle United hailed as manager reveals ‘ridiculous’ Hugo Ekitike latest – pundit
Newcastle United are right to end talks over a move for Hugo Ekitike after standing their ground with the player’s agent.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ efforts to sign a new striker.
On Thursday, June 23, 90min reported Newcastle have pulled out of the deal to sign Ekitike, 19.
As quoted by RMC Sport on 1 July, Reims manager Oscar Garcia claimed “he [Ekitike] told me wanted to stay” before going on to suggest he would only leave the club to sign for “Real Madrid or Barcelona.”
Kenny is glad to see Newcastle turn their attention elsewhere.
“I think fair play to Newcastle,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Because even though they have this ridiculous amount of money, if they are going to stand their ground with people like that then fair play to them.
“I’m glad they aren’t paying whatever they are asking for and trying to get the best deal for them.
“It’s disappointing for the player as well though because you are holding them back.
“That can then cause a problem because you can fall out with your agent over greed which is ridiculous.”
Ekitike scored 10 goals in 24 games during the 2021-22 Ligue 1 campaign.
Newcastle’s top scorer in 2021-22 was Callum Wilson, who scored eight goals, all in the Premier League.
In other news, Newcastle United may be forced to build a new stadium after a ‘crazy’ update, according to one pundit