Reims forward Hugo Ekitke turned down a January switch to Newcastle opting instead to see out the season in France.
It was widely reported at the time that the young striker felt that it wasn’t the right time to move, but many people suggested he “bottled it” and ddin’t want to face the challenge of a relegation battle. To be fair, if that was the case it would be hard to blame him – Only 19 years old and moving to a new country, playing in the biggest league in the world for a club in trouble – That does sound like a recipe for disaster.
Now with the season coming to a close, Ekitike has spoken to L’Equipe (you can read an English transcript of the interview at Get French Football News) where he revealed that “The timing wasn’t right, it was better to stay here to play a full season, to establish myself”.
It is still believed that Newcastle’s interest remains and a fresh attempt to lure the striker to St James’ Park will be made in the Summer with a more positive outcome this time, although Ekitike himself is expecting to be in high demand, saying “I see it being lively. I think people will show interest in me. on my end, I’ll stay calm because I’m surrounded by the right people to manage all of that.”
If he’s as calm, collected and sensible in front of goal as he is in front of a microphone, it will be a very exciting move if Newcastle were to pull it off.