Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike tussles with Marco Verratti
Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been reacting to news on reported Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike.
The Lowdown: Ekitike injured
The 19-year-old was unfortunately forced off after just five minutes of the France under-20s’ match against their Mexico counterparts on Thursday evening.
As per Sky Sports, the St James’ Park club have held positive talks with the striker’s representatives over a potential move to Tyneside this summer.
The Latest: Kenny reacts
Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that Ekitike’s latest injury will be ‘concerning’ for Newcastle.
The former top-flight goalkeeper said: “It’s not a good thing, this injury and he isn’t going to be their number one striker.
“Do you move on? He has a few injuries. If he was their number one target you would probably still do the deal.
“But he’s not, is he? He is going to be a player for the future. It depends on how much Newcastle want him to be honest.
“It has to be concerning though, that same injury popping up again. You have to take notice of that but if they really want him it won’t stop Newcastle.”
The Verdict: Worrying
Of course Ekitike’s latest injury is worrying news, as it could potentially jeopardise any potential deal to bring him to the Magpies.
He suffered a similar injury last season which kept him out for 10 matches for Reims, and there may be fears at St James’ Park that the 19-year-old is now starting to become injury-prone.
Should Newcastle sign Ekitike?
Yes
No
Nonetheless, if he is their number one striker priority, Eddie Howe and co should be looking to sign him anyway, regardless of this latest setback.
Thought to be the ‘next Mbappe’ by some in France, the teenager certainly seems to have a bright future ahead of him; and having broken onto the scene with 11 goals and four assists in French football last term (Transfermarkt), Newcastle will want to get their hands on him before anyone else does.
In other news, find out what Luke Edwards has now been ‘told’ about this Newcastle transfer target
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