Former Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike has no regrets over Magpies snub

The former Magpies target has spoken out about the early months of his time at PSG
By Mark Carruthers
Published 28th Dec 2022, 11:46 BST
Updated 28th Dec 2022, 12:59 BST
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Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike has admitted people are right to question his form after he snubbed a move to Newcastle United.

The former Reims forward was a high-profile target for the Magpies last January and it looked as if a deal would be forced through when United came to an agreement with the Ligue 1 club on the final day of the transfer window.

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However, Ekitike remained at Reims after rejecting a move to Tyneside at the last minute and he continued to frustrate the Magpies during the summer as they reignited their bid for his services. Once again, an agreement was in place to bring the young forward to the North East but he delayed in completing the move before joining Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan deal that will become permanent at the end of the campaign.

However, his form in the French capital has been underwhelming, with the form of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe reducing Ekitike to a supporting role. Ahead of the World Cup break, the youngster had made just two starts in all competitions and had to wait until mid-November to get his first goal for the club as he netted the final strike in a 5-0 home win against Auxerre. Despite his struggles at the Parc des Princes, Ekitike admitted he is ready to cope with the expectations placed upon him and has no regrets over his decision to join the club.

Ekitike was close to joining Newcastle on multiple occasions but instead opted to move to PSG this summer. Although his loan in the French capital hasn’t started too well, Newcastle’s move for Alexander Isak in summer ruled out the possibility of them reigniting any interest in the Frenchman.Ekitike was close to joining Newcastle on multiple occasions but instead opted to move to PSG this summer. Although his loan in the French capital hasn’t started too well, Newcastle’s move for Alexander Isak in summer ruled out the possibility of them reigniting any interest in the Frenchman.
Ekitike was close to joining Newcastle on multiple occasions but instead opted to move to PSG this summer. Although his loan in the French capital hasn’t started too well, Newcastle’s move for Alexander Isak in summer ruled out the possibility of them reigniting any interest in the Frenchman.

When asked if he regretted his move to the Ligue 1 champions by Canal+, he replied: “No, I know why I came here. Of course, when you arrive in a club like this, there’s a lot of expectations. People expect performances, and if they don’t come, people will obviously ask questions.

“I play in a role where I’m always going to be questioned, because I came with a big transfer fee. I need to assume that, and that’s what I’m doing. It’s not a problem. If I play badly, I’ll be the first to admit it, and if I play well, I’ll be there too, and I will continue to be good.”

Ekitike will return to action on Wednesday night when PSG host Strasbourg their first Ligue 1 fixture since France’s World Cup Final defeat against Argentina.