On Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain made their latest addition to the squad when they brought in Hugo Ekitike from Stade de Reims, who arrived on a loan deal with an obligation to buy with a fee of €28.5 million in addition to the €6.5 million bonuses.
Along with PSG, the 20-year-old was linked to Newcastle United, who reportedly had a fee agreed to with the French club but could never find an agreement with the player.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope relayed the remarks made by manager Eddie Howe, who commented on the failed pursuit of Ekitike this summer after the striker’s transfer to PSG was made official.
“We really like Hugo, but it wasn’t to be. He has decided to go to PSG, and there are no hard feelings towards the lad. We wish him well. We thought he was a real talent & could have done a really good job. They are the teams we are competing against,” Howe said.
Ekitike spoke with PSG TV following his move to the French giants, stating that he chose the current Ligue 1 champions because it pulled at his heart to stay in his home country and play with some of the better players in the world, where he will be relied on to score goals.
“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,” Ekitike said.
I don’t know about anybody else but I am sick to death of hearing about this Ekitike drama!please move on.