Hugo Ekitike makes Newcastle United transfer admission as he breaks his silence on failed move

Hugo Ekitike has confirmed he was open to joining Newcastle United this summer before Paris Saint-Germain came knocking.

The Magpies, just like they did in January, had a deal in place with Reims to bring the 20-year-old to St James’ Park this window.

However, United were unable to agree personal terms with the player’s agent, who held out for an approach from PSG.

There were also question marks about whether or not Ekitike actually wanted to join Newcastle. In January, the striker decided against a mid-season move.

But Ekitike has revealed he was open to joining Newcastle but “ when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.”

He told Le10 Sport: “I’m not setting aside everything Newcastle did for me to come. If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there. But when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.

“I had an appointment with Luis (Campos) which meant a lot to me. It was not so long ago. We talked a lot, he is someone I value a lot. I wanted to come to PSG before this exchange [with Campos], but he convinced me even more.

“To convince me, you have to talk about sport. What interests me is the game and what can be put in place. We discussed that a lot, his vision, mine and we were in total agreement. I know he has confidence in me, he thinks I’m going to do great things and I will give him that confidence back on the pitch.”

Ekitike faces competition from Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mauro Icardi for a starting spot at PSG. Competition at Newcastle is a little less heavy to say the latest, suggested the France under-20s was more likely to receive regular minutes on Tyneside.

So is moving to Paris a risk?

“The risk did not enter my mind,” Ekitike added. “All those who positioned themselves were big clubs. I’m not afraid of anything, I want to discover a high level. PSG are the biggest club in France, but also in the world.

“As long as you are ambitious and you know what you want, why proceed in stages? That’s how I thought. For me, you are not born a great, you become one!”