The most expensive teenagers in Premier League history amid Newcastle United’s interest in Hugo Ekitike

Newcastle United hopes of signing Reims striker Hugo Ekitike hang in the balance - with the player reportedly unsure over a move to Tyneside.

It’s been widely claimed that Eddie Howe’s men have agreed a fee that could rise to £28m for the France under-21s international, who would become one of the most expensive teenagers in Premier League history if the move is to be completed.

But how many of these so-called ‘wonderkids’ actually went on to be a success in England’s top-flight?

NewcastleWorld takes a look at the most expensive teenagers in Premier League history:

Where does Ekitike rank in the list?

With the fee expected to be – with add ons included – in the region of £28m for Ekitike, he would become the fifth most expensive teenager of all time in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old would find himself sandwiched between Luke Shaw and William Saliba, who arrived at their clubs for £27m and £31m respectively.

Who is more expensive than Ekitike?

Only four teenagers would rank above Ekitike when it comes to transfer fees, and some of the names will undoubtedly come as a surprise.

The most expensive Premier League teenager is still Anthony Martial – a man heavily linked with a loan move to the Toon this month before joining Sevilla – who joined Manchester United from Monaco for a whopping £58m in 2015.

Below him is Moise Kean, who Everton in 2019 paid a huge £37m for from Juventus.

Taking the final spot on the most expensive Premier League teenagers podium is Fabio Silva. The Football Manager legend joined Wolves from FC Porto for a £35m fee in 2020.

Luke Shaw’s high-profile move from Southampton to Manchester United is the final move to rank above Ekitike’s potential signing, with the Red Devils forking out £31m for the England international in 2014.

How many of those were a success?

To put it bluntly, not many at all.

On arrival, Martial was being compared to the great Thierry Henry, but failed to live up to those lofty heights.

However, he did have some good moments in a red shirt, netting 57 goals in 175 appearances – but it’s a far cry from what was anticipated when he swapped the Principality for the North West nearly seven years ago.

Moise Kean only played for Everton 22 times before being shipped away on a two-year loan deal. The Italian international only scored twice for the Toffees, notably one coming against Newcastle in that dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in January 2020.

Shortly after his £35m move, Fabio Silva was thrust into the limelight at Wolves at just 18 after Raul Jiminez’s serious head injury – and only managed to score four goals in 32 league appearances last season.

He’s featured 11 times in the Premier League so far this season, 10 appearances off the bench, and has failed to score in any.

Luke Shaw has arguably been the biggest success out of the four players listed, but it’s safe to say his Manchester United career has been far from plain sailing.

The England defender has made 202 top-flight appearances to date over his over seven-year stint but has often found himself out of favour, notably under former boss Jose Mourinho and current interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Can Ekitike break the mould?

Whether Ekitike can be a success on Tyneside if his move goes through is the question on the tip of every Toon fans’ tongue.

The 19-year-old has bagged eight goals in 18 appearances so far this season, a very impressive feat for a man of his age, and for a side who are currently sitting 14th in the Ligue 1 table.

Ekitike’s ability to find the net, combined with his six ft two frame, could be a match made in heaven for the Magpies.

The wonderkid will be learning from the likes of Callum Wilson and Chris Wood at the club too, which will only improve him as a player.