Mixed Huge Ekitike reports hint at Paris Saint-Germain uncertainty for ex-Newcastle United target

There are conflicting reports over the future of former Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike as he continues to make an impact at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Magpies were heavily linked with the highly-rated forward during the final days of last season’s January transfer window and seemed to be making some progress towards enticing the France Under-21 international to St James Park. In the early hours of deadline day a deal was agreed with Reims - but Ekitike decided against the move, reportedly citing United’s battle against relegation to justify his decision.

The interest in pursuing a deal for Ekitike was reignited once again last summer but there was further frustration as the 20-year-old stalled on making the move to Tyneside before agreeing to join Paris Saint-Germain on an initial season-long loan deal that will be converted into a permanent switch at the end of the campaign.

Despite the hype surrounding his arrival at the Parc des Princes, Ekitike has spent the majority of the season playing second fiddle to the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. He remained an unused substitute as his side suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie against Bayern Munich last week as his frustrating introduction to life in the French capital continued.

Ekitike has scored just four goals and provided three assists in 23 appearances in all competitions so far this season - although only ten of those appearances came as part of Christophe Galtier’s starting eleven. That has led to speculation Ekitike could be allowed to depart on loan next season, with journalist Giovanni Castaldi suggesting the PSG hierarchy were unhappy with his performances and behaviour during his first year with the club. However, FootMercato’s Santi Aouna has now stated the Ligue 1 giants do not want to allow the forward to head out on loan and no talks have been held over such a decision.

There are also reports in France suggesting Ekitike is set to have further competition for a place in the PSG lineup with France international’s Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram both linked with a move to the club.