Newcastle United are close to sealing a deal for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike as Eddie Howe goals to bolster his attacking choices forward of subsequent season.
What’s the phrase?
That’s in accordance to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, who relayed the switch replace from his colleague Dharmesh Sheth through Twitter.
He outlined: “Personal terms are close to being agreed with Hugo Ekitike ahead of his proposed move to Newcastle, according to @skysports_sheth. If teems can be agreed it’s hoped, he can travel to Tyneside for medical & to complete move next week. Ekitike currently having some time off.”
Newcastle followers will adore it
This news will certainly delight the Toon devoted, and it now appears solely a matter of time earlier than the signing is formally introduced.
Howe has overseen a exceptional turnaround at Newcastle since being appointed final November, main the staff away from the drop zone and into a snug Eleventh-place end within the Premier League final season.
Further enchancment will probably be wanted to fulfill the membership’s new homeowners, although, and with no scarcity of cash out there for transfers, the 44-year-old appears like he’s constructing a squad which may problem the European place, with the possible signing of Ekitike a very spectacular coup.
The 19-year-old scored 11 instances final season while including an additional three assists in a breakthrough marketing campaign which has additionally attracted interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
Compared to positional friends within the massive 5 European leagues, Ekitike ranks within the high 7% for non-penalty objectives (0.64 per 90) and within the high 3% for dribbles accomplished (2.12 per 90), with the latter metric proving that he isn’t afraid of taking gamers on and showcasing his talents.
With 2.69 shot-creating actions per match additionally, the striker seems eager to give himself as many probabilities as doable to rating, exhibiting nice maturity at solely 19 years of age.
Ekitike won’t be the completed product simply but, however his potential may see him turn out to be one of the vital feared strikers on the continent over the following few seasons. Imagine what a delight it might be for the St James’ Park devoted to see him turning into simply that in Newcastle colors.
AND in different news, NUFC within the combine to signal “frightening” £528k-p/w “freak of nature”, Howe would love him…