Newcastle United tipped to ‘spend big’ on goal machine after Hugo Ekitike update – pundit
Newcastle United must “spend big” on a senior striker this summer even if they also sign Hugo Ekitike.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider as the Magpies close in on their first summer signing.
As per Fabrizio Romano (4 June), Newcastle and Reims have a “full agreement” over a £25.7million deal for Ekitike.
The Magpies tried to sign the 19-year-old during the winter window but, as revealed by this site on 31 January, had a £20m-plus bid knocked back after extensive talks.
A Newcastle source has since told Football Insider (5 April), the club have continued to keep tabs on the France Under-21 international and Eddie Howe has made him a top target.
However, Kenny claims he is not the answer to Newcastle’s goalscoring problems.
“He’s one of those who will play a bit-part, one for the future,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“You have Wilson and Wood, then this guy comes in. I still think they need another striker, someone senior.
“I think they have to go and spend big on someone who will get them 15 or 20 goals if they want to be getting into Europe next year.
“He’s 19, he’s an absolute baby isn’t he? I think they will gradually ease him into the team.”
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.
In other news, pundit claims Newcastle United don’t need to “break the bank” to sign “proven Premier League” striker.