Romano has just been told £26m striker who rejected Newcastle twice could now join Everton
Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle United was the saga of the summer last year, and it ended in dispair for Toon officials.
The Magpies tried desperately to sign the young Frenchman, and even agreed a £26million deal with Reims to secure the services of the forward.
All Newcastle needed to do was agree personal terms, but that was easier said than done. The club eventually walked away from the deal, allowing Paris Saint-Germain to swoop in and sign him.
It was a blow for Newcastle, made all the more excruciating as it was the second time in six months that Ekitike had turned down the chance to join Eddie Howe’s side. A deal in January 2022 looked to be on, only for the youngster to change his mind at the last minute.
Now it is the summer of 2023, and a lot has changed. Newcastle have no interest in Ekitike, and are probably grateful that he said no. That rejection eventually led to Alexander Isak joining the club.
As for Ekitike, his move to PSG was a disaster and they are already looking to get rid of him. That could lead to the 21-year-old moving to the Premier League after all, but not to Newcastle.
Everton want to sign Hugo Ekitike from PSG
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ekitike now has ‘concrete interest’ from Everton.
He has wrote on Twitter: “Everton have concrete interest in Hugo Ekitike. Told negotiation will take place over loan deal with buy option clause that can become mandatory. Terms of the deal and numbers not discussed yet, still at early stages with both PSG and player side.”
Just imagine the reception he will get from Newcastle fans
It would be quite astonishing if Ekitike ends up at Everton one year after turning down a move to Newcastle for the second time. If anything, it would be good to see this deal happen just to find out how he copes in the Premier League.
If a deal does happen, Ekitike will be dreading his first visit to St James’ Park. Games against Everton are always feisty, with large boos aimed at Toffees stopper Jordan Pickford. You just know that Ekitike would get the same treatment if he trotted onto the SJP turf wearing an Everton shirt.
For now, talks are set to take place between Everton, PSG and the player. You have to imagine he would be keen on a move considering how badly the PSG transfer has gone, and you can’t help but wonder if Ekitike now regrets saying no to Newcastle.
