Over the past few hours, there has been a lot of talk that Newcastle United could be signing Hugo Ekitike from Stade de Reims.
Outlets in England believed some sort of agreement had been reached with the Ligue 1 side regarding a transfer, but the stance in France was very different, with a couple of reports suggesting otherwise.
The first came from Nabil Djellit, a French reporter, who said what Newcastle had offered wasn’t €40m up front, but rather €27m + bonuses that could take it to beyond €40m.
He did also ask the important question of whether Ekitike would want to go to St James’ Park, with his hunch being that wasn’t the case.
Then RMC Sport followed suit, explaining no offers had reached Reims, who were still asking for €30m + €10m.
Well, L’Equipe are now clear about one thing: Ekitike will not be going to Newcastle.
Not because they haven’t put enough money on the table, but more because he doesn’t want to.
It’s explained that ‘despite the forcing from Newcastle’, the player and his entourage ‘have taken the decision’ to stay put.
L’Equipe do claim an offer was made, but it was of €35m (bonuses included), but Ekitike ‘isn’t seduced’, having agreed with those around him that he should ‘prioritise to end the season at least’ with Reims.
Add on top of that the fact Newcastle aren’t exactly safe from relegation back to the Championship, and it just made sense for him.
