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Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle deal for Hugo Ekitike off
Hugo Ekitike’s move from Reims to Newcastle United is “off” after a fee had been agreed for the 20-year-old according to The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano.
The French striker scored ten Ligue 1 goals in the 2021/22 season and looked set to be on the move to the Magpies.
However, Italian journalist Romano reported on 28 June via his personal Twitter account that Ekitike has no intention of accepting the conditions offered to him by Newcastle United
Agent influence
It is highly unlikely that the 20-year-old is responsible for the discussions stalling with Eddie Howe’s side.
Too often we hear of agents influencing younger players to negotiate a better fee for themselves and that certainly looks to be the base for Ekitike.
Regardless of the youngster’s talent, ten goals in Ligue 1 hardly give him the right to hold the Magpies to ransom.
It’s a sad state of affairs that even younger players and their agents will prioritise a paycheck over the prospect of playing for one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs in Newcastle.
The Magpies are in a difficult situation where other sides are aware of their immense wealth and can potentially use that to get themselves a better deal.
It is good that the Magpies haven’t bowed to the young striker’s demands and allowed him to look elsewhere.
It’s hardly an ideal way to start life at a new club by trying to squeeze every penny out of your new employers.
In other Football Wonderkids news, Leeds, along with Rangers and Celtic are keen on Cardiff City youngster Japhet Matondo.