Newcastle United news: Ex-striker swipes at Chris Wood as £29.9m transfer breakthrough reported
Noel Whelan has insisted Newcastle United have changed transfer strategy with a deal for Hugo Ekitike reportedly close.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker suggested the Magpies are looking “long-term” after signing “quick fixes” in January to keep them in the Premier League.
As reported by the Northern Echo (5 June), Ekitike, 19, has agreed to join Newcastle after Reims accepted a bid worth £29.9million (€35million).
The teenage forward will reportedly undergo a medical and finalise personal terms after playing for France’s under-20s.
Whelan suggested Newcastle are looking for longevity after the unremarkable form shown by Chris Wood.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You’re looking for a short-term fix when you go into the market in January. Just to keep yourself in the Premier League.
“You’ve got to take that chance, you had to. January’s a really difficult window. They brought in loads of experience. I thought pretty much the majority of their signings turned out to be good signings.
“Yes, they could have got a bit more out of Chris Wood, I think. In the end, they did what they had to do, which was stay in the Premier League.
“This is where their platform changes from quick fixes to long-term. Building that team that’s going to compete.
“They’ve been monitoring this player for quite a while at Reims. It didn’t happen in January. Now they’ve maintained their Premier League status, this is where you go back in for these players.
“It’s a much easier window to get players that you need. You’re more likely to get the deal done.”
Wood scored two goals in 16 appearances after joining Newcastle from Burnley.
Meanwhile, Ekitike netted 11 times in 26 games for Reims during the 2021/22 campaign.
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