With the January transfer window drawing closer, Newcastle United supporters will be hoping they avoid any repeats of the Hugo Ekitike saga that left the club one striker short as the window slammed shut last January.
The Magpies had a bid accepted for then Reims striker Ekitike, only for the young French talent to turn down Eddie Howe's side in order to continue his development in France.
That didn't deter the Magpies who were linked with Ekitike again in the summer, again agreeing a deal with Reims, only for the forward to turn down Newcastle once more in favour of a move to French champions PSG. The Toon then flexed their financial muscle to bring in Alexander Isak following the breakdown of Ekitike's failed transfer, but the saga alone still leaves a sour taste in the mouth for some supporters.
The French forward put on record his thanks to the Magpies and said if there was one club abroad that he would join, it would be the black and white of Newcastle. Very few can blame the Frenchman for wanting to play and train alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, but with that, comes the caveat of being behind them in the pecking order.
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Ekitike was made to bide his time after the move to the Parc des Princes and there were murmurings of discontent after a lack of game time. So, with that in mind, Chronicle Live spoke with Luca Demange of CulturePSG for an insight into how Ekitike has fared and whether he'll have any regrets about choosing PSG over Newcastle in the summer.
How did the move to PSG come about? He was linked with Newcastle since January so it came as a bit of a surprise.
Luca Demange: "Yes, PSG had lost the habit of recruiting in Ligue 1. Before Hugo Ekitike, the last person to arrive from the French league was Kylian Mbappé.
"PSG's plans began to take shape with the arrival of Luis Campos. At the clubs he has been through before, Campos has always shown that he targets the best young talents and Ekitike was surely one of them in his eyes."
What was the view from PSG supporters when Ekitike signed?
LD: "The fans were quite happy to see Ekitike sign for PSG. He is one of the most talented players in the league. The absence of PSG in the recruitment of the best players in Ligue 1 was often criticised.
"He was courted by many clubs abroad and seeing PSG take the prize pleased the fans."
The reported fee was in the region of €35million. Do you know if there is an obligation to buy or just an option?
LD: "It is enough that PSG finishes the 2022/2023 season in the top two of the league for this option to become mandatory. QSI's PSG has never finished outside the top two places and Ekitike has therefore a good chance of signing permanently with Paris at the end of the season. He will then be bound until 2027.
How has Ekitike fared since making the move to PSG?
LD: "He's a young player who still has a lot to learn. He has a good margin for improvement and that's why PSG recruited him. In Paris, he discovers a new dimension and new requirements. His debut is not easy.
"He is behind Messi, Neymar and Mbappé in the hierarchy and all three have played a lot since the beginning of the season. They have been in great form and have left little room for Ekitike.
"There should be more opportunities for him in the coming months."
Can he be a short-term success even with Messi, Neymar and Mbappe at PSG?
LD: "PSG decided to take a gamble on the future by recruiting him. With the trio of Messi, Neymar and Mbappé, the club has targeted an up-and-coming striker who can learn and grow alongside the best.
"I think that PSG does not expect Ekitike on the short term otherwise the choice would have turned to another player more able to bring his qualities right away.
Do you think he’ll regret the decision to choose PSG over Newcastle and why did he do so?
LD: "I don't think he should have any regrets about his decision. I think he knew what to expect when he joined PSG. Maybe he could have had a faster progression elsewhere but by signing in Paris, he is already in one of the best clubs in the world.
"With Messi going on to his 36th birthday and Neymar turning 31 next year, PSG's attack will also have to evolve in the coming months. I'm pretty sure there will be opportunities for him."
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