Player who Newcastle United agreed a £26m deal for made available for transfer

Paris Saint-Germain are ready to part ways with Hugo Ekitike - just 12 months after the French forward decided to join them over Newcastle United.

The 21-year-old twice turned down a move to St James’ Park in January and the summer last year, despite the Magpies agreeing a reported £26million fee with Stade de Reims.

Discussions with the player’s representatives stalled as they held out for a move to PSG. He joined the Ligue 1 champions on a season-long loan deal, which included an obligation to buy.

Speaking after making the move, the France under-21 international said: “It is the choice of the heart! I’m French too, it’s the club of my homeland, of my country.

“And then it’s a club where the greatest players evolve, where there is a quality and experienced staff, the desire to win all the titles in all competitions.

“There is everything here for me to progress. All the ingredients are there, so it’s a logical choice for me to be here.

“Finally, I myself have family in the Paris region, and I have always followed Paris Saint-Germain. All this made my desire to join this club very natural. It’s the right choice for me to be here.

“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.”

Ekitike’s loan will convert into a £29m permanent deal this summer but reports in France claim PSG will immediately look to offload him following a disappointing campaign at the Parc des Princes.

The young forward scored four goals in 32 appearances but over half of those came off the bench. Ekitike’s attitude was reportedly questioned throughout the 2022-23 season.