Former Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike may now be regretting his decision to join PSG over the Magpies after struggling to settle in the French capital this season. The young attacker opted to join the Ligue 1 giants on loan over the summer, despite significant interest from Eddie Howe's side.
Ekitike is currently mixing it with some of the best stars in the world but is finding it difficult to get in Christophe Galtier's team over Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at present. Although the 20-year-old has featured in nine matches so far, he has only played 149 minutes of football.
Speaking ahead of PSG's clash this weekend, Galtier admits Ekitike isn't satisfied with his game time thus far and has subsequently lost confidence during his short stint in Paris. “I had a long discussion with Hugo last week. Obviously, he isn’t satisfied with his limited playing time," the PSG boss told reporters.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe outlines Newcastle United contract stance after Miguel Almiron claim
"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 (Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé), 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 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 Haifa was interesting.”
Newcastle hoped Ekitike would choose a move to the Premier League despite interest from a host of European giants. The forward recently admitted once PSG arrived on the scene, there was no way he was turning down a move to the biggest side in his native country.
“It’s no secret that we really liked Hugo, and we worked hard to try to do that deal,” said Howe over the summer.
“I have no hard feelings toward him and wish him well in the next phase of his career. I really do wish him luck. But it is an example of the types of clubs we’re competing with to try and improve our squad."
READ NEXT
Newcastle have already found one of the best players that Allan Saint-Maximin has ever seen
Newcastle have FFP and kit sponsor edge after £60m Arsenal deal
Jurgen Klopp told all about Newcastle 'superstar' as Liverpool boss put in place after jibe
Alan Shearer turns air blue as Newcastle legend reveals what he really wanted to say to Gullit
Davide Santon opens up on brutal pain and not being a Newcastle 'traitor'
