“I could end up signing for Chelsea” – player reveals after rejecting Newcastle
Hugo Ekitike rejected a deadline day move to Newcastle United in the 2022 January transfer window – but he could now be set to join one of two London clubs.
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike has been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal, with interest set to increase as the summer window nears. Both Premier League clubs are said to see him as an alternative signing to Alexander Isak, who is currently shining for Newcastle with 17 goals and five assists so far in the 2024/25 season.
However, the Magpies could have had both in-form strikers on their books as the French forward rejected a last-minute January move from FC Reims to the Premier League three years ago. At the time, it was confirmed that the French club had accepted a deadline day bid of £25million – later rising to £33m – from Newcastle for the 19-year-old.
However, the move hinged on the agreement of personal terms with the player. Ekitike then decided to stay at the club until the end of the season, with Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot claiming that both the club and player “share the feeling there is still a piece of history to write together”.
Months after rejecting a move to Newcastle, Ekitike was announced in July 2022 as PSG’s newest loan signing. He revealed that a conversation with PSG’s football advisor Luis Campos convinced him to join the Ligue 1 champions.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Ekitike said: “I had an appointment with Luis which meant a lot for me. It was not so long ago. We talked a lot, he is someone I consider enormously. I wanted to come to PSG before this exchange but it convinced me even more.
“I don’t put aside everything Newcastle did to get 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.”
Since then, the 22-year-old made 33 appearances for PSG after making his move permanent – scoring and assisting four goals – before joining Frankfurt on loan in January 2024. He joined the Bundesliga club last summer in a deal worth £13.6m (€16.5m), and has excelled in Germany.
Ekitike has scored 21 goals and assisted eight times in 48 appearances for Frankfurt, attracting interest from Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca – two managers who are in need of a proven striker – according to Caught Offside.
It looks like Ekitike may finally be making his move to the Premier League in what could be a double blow to Newcastle, who will be fearful of increasing interest in Isak if they fail to secure Champions League football for next season.