Newcastle United linked with striker who turned down St James' Park move in 2022
Newcastle United will reportedly plan a third bid for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
In January 2022, the Magpies were desperate for a forward to help keep them in the Premier League. Callum Wilson was injured and, just three months into new Saudi-backed ownership, Newcastle had a serious chance of relegation.
Dropping to the Championship would have humiliated the Magpies - who now boasted the wealthiest owners in world football. Chris Wood arrived from Burnley to give Eddie Howe a proven Premier League striker at his disposal.
However, Newcastle also made a deadline-day approach for Ekitike, then enjoying a fine breakout campaign at Reims. A technically gifted prospect, the Frenchman was viewed as one for the future.
He turned the deal down due to the last-minute nature of the offer. Speaking at the time, Ekitike said: "I respect this great club a lot. But it happened quickly and it was not the time. It was better for me to stay here, to complete the full season and confirm myself."
Newcastle’s advances were snubbed for a second time in the summer once survival had been secured. Ekitike was understood to be close to joining for £25million, with both clubs agreeing a fee.
But the prospect rejected the Magpies again, instead joining Paris Saint-Germain despite the European giants having Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in their ranks. Ekitike’s agent, Karl Mwalako Buchmann, irked Toon fans once the deal was completed by thanking his client for “never doubting” him.
A move to PSG would ultimately fail, with just four goals in two seasons owing to their abundance of attacking talent. The France under-21 international moved to Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and he has since rebuilt his promising career.
Football Transfers claim Ekitike’s 12 Bundesliga goals have piqued Newcastle’s interest again amid reported Arsenal interest. Various sources suggest a staggering £66million price tag has been placed on his head - almost three times the fee paid last summer.
The Magpies would unlikely cave to those demands - especially with Alexander Isak pinning down the No.9 spot. As well as Arsenal, West Ham United are named as another possible Premier League option.