Newcastle United to end Hugo Ekitike interest after ‘concerning’ development – pundit
Newcastle United may end their bid to sign Hugo Ekitike after he picked up another hamstring injury.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after a development in the Magpies’ hunt for a new striker.
According to Sky Sports (7 June), the Magpies have held positive talks with the 19-year-old’s representatives regarding a move to St. James’ Park.
However, the striker went off with a hamstring injury five minutes into France Under 20s’ game against Mexico Under 20s on Thursday (9 June).
The same injury ruled Ekitike out of 10 Ligue 1 games during the 2021-22 season.
Kenny claims Eddie Howe’s side could now move onto other targets.
“It’s not a good thing, this injury and he isn’t going to be their number one striker,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Do you move on? He has a few injuries. If he was their number one target you would probably still do the deal.
“But he’s not, is he? He is going to be a player for the future. It depends on how much Newcastle want him to be honest.
“It has to be concerning though, that same injury popping up again.
“You have to take notice of that but if they really want him it won’t stop Newcastle.”
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, Newcastle United have been told to re-sign Georginio Wijnaldum as transfer decision close.