Paris Saint-Germain boss delivers brutal verdict on ex-Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike

Former Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike has been described as ‘disappointed’ after struggling to make an impact during the early months of his loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain.

The former Reims forward was the subject of several bids from the Magpies during the January and summer transfer windows as Eddie Howe looked to refresh his options at the top end of the pitch.  United looked to have finally captured the France Under-21 international during the summer but Ekitike continued to frustrated the Magpies hierarchy by reportedly holding out for a move to a Champions League club.

The 20-year-old finally got his wish in mid-July when PSG secured his services on a season-long loan deal that could be converted into a £25.5m permanent switch next summer if the forward impresses for the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

But the early signs are not promising, with Ekitike forced to play a backup role to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after making just one start so far this season.  That came in a 2-1 home win against Nice, but the forward could only watch on as Mbappe came off the bench to replace him on the hour-mark and notch the winning goal ten minutes from time.

Ekitike’s underwhelming opening to his loan spell continued in midweek when he appeared as a late substitute as his side romped to a 7-2 win in a Champions League group stage clash with Israeli club Maccabi Haifa.

His performance was described as ‘interesting’ by Galtier, who urged Ekitike to take responsibility for his development during his time at the Parc des Princes.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s meeting with United’s former Intertoto Cup opponents Troyes, Galtier said: “I had a long discussion with Hugo last week. Obviously, he isn’t satisfied with his limited playing time. I told him that I was in part responsible, but that he was also responsible.”

“When you have the attacking trio that we have at PSG, that requires a lot of commitment and resilience and you have to keep going. When you play in place of one of them, there is a natural comparison. He has been disappointed at times, and rightfully so, at not starting certain matches.

He continued: “He has been disappointed, and I have explained my reasons. Clearly, he is a talented player, who must make up for his lack of game time in training. We have said that he must work more, must bring more intensity so that when he comes on, he can add more. He has lost confidence because he hasn’t played much. I thought his performance against (Maccabi) Haifa interesting.”

Ekitike remained as an unused substitute as his side claimed a 4-3 win against Troyes, but will now hope to add to his list of appearances when PSG return to Champions League action with a visit to Juventus on Wednesday night.