With the Magpies striker saga now seemingly heading for its conclusion, it seems Stade de Reims forward could now become a Newcastle player, just a few months after turning down an initial deal.
The 19-year-old is said to now be in 'advanced talks' with Eddie Howe's team, as the former Cherries boss looks to improve his attacking arsenal heading into the 22/23 campaign. At just £26million, the player could sign a five-year-deal with United.
But with Ekitike's agent at first 'not convinced' by the project in place here in the North East, just what has changed in the second half of the 21/22 season? Well, the Magpies were terrific, to put it bluntly, climbing well away from their initial relegation woes.
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With his festive period move been halted in its tracks, the validity of the plans was a particular sticking point, despite now looking to kick on even further, following an impressive second half of the season.
Ekitike's agent told French title L'Equipe via Inside Futbol back in January: “We were not convinced about the sports project and we saw no short or medium-term plan with their approach. Hugo has achieved great things in just six months but as he is attached to the club, we agreed with the leaders to end the season with Reims.”
The turnaround underlines just how important Newcastle's recovery under Howe was. By January 21, the Magpues had still only won once all season, and while performances were better, results hadn't followed. Any prospective signing would have been taking a gamble.
Roll forward five months and it is a very different story. After beaing Leeds United at Elland Road, Howe's side went on a remarkable run, beating the likes of Everton, Aston Villa, Leicester and Southampton as they finished the season in 11th place.
Any worries about whether they were the real deal have been safely banished. There is still much work to do, of course, but prospective signings know they are a club looking forward and not over their shoulder at the relegation zone. Then there's Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian took a brave step coming to St James' Park but could well blaze a trail for others to follow.
Ekitike found the net 11 times in 27 appearances but also missed three months of action due to an ongoing hamstring injury as Oscar Garcia's side finished 12th in Ligue 1. Whatever has happened behind the scenes, it seems the supposed 'project' that was once a stumbling block now seems a much more promising option than it once did six months ago.
