‘I rejected Newcastle at the last minute – now I could end up joining Arsenal or Chelsea’

Hugo Ekitike is a name that has been circulating in European football circles for some time now, but his journey to this point has been far from ordinary. The French striker has seen his career take unexpected turns, particularly with his decision to reject a move to the Premier League’s Newcastle United in January 2022. In a transfer window that was filled with last-minute drama and speculation, Ekitike was at the center of attention after FC Reims, his club at the time, accepted a bid from the Magpies worth £25 million, which later grew to £33 million. The deal seemed all but sealed, but Ekitike’s personal decision to remain in France for the remainder of the season set the stage for the twists and turns that would follow in his career.

The move to Newcastle was not just an ordinary transfer. It represented a significant opportunity for the then-19-year-old to move to one of the most ambitious clubs in the Premier League, one that was under new ownership and looking to rapidly improve its squad. The deal, however, was contingent upon agreeing to personal terms, and this is where things began to unravel. Despite the considerable financial allure and the opportunity to play in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, Ekitike opted to stay with Reims.

Reims President Jean-Pierre Caillot later confirmed that both the club and the player shared a mutual belief that there was still more to accomplish together in the French Ligue 1. This decision was indicative of Ekitike’s maturity and understanding of his career path at such a young age. Instead of rushing into a move, he chose to focus on his development and see out the rest of the season at Reims, where he had been making significant strides in his game. It was a choice that would have a profound effect on his career, as it would lead to a series of events that would see him eventually play for some of the top clubs in Europe.

As it turned out, the decision to stay at Reims only seemed to bolster Ekitike’s reputation. Despite rejecting a move to Newcastle, he was still one of the hottest properties in French football. His performances caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and in the summer of 2022, Ekitike found himself on the move once again, but this time, it was to the French capital. PSG, long seen as a powerhouse in French football, was interested in acquiring the young forward, and after a series of talks with the club’s football advisor, Luis Campos, Ekitike was convinced that the move was the right one for his career.

In an interview with French newspaper Le Parisien, Ekitike spoke at length about the conversation he had with Campos. The young forward described how the meeting with the PSG advisor played a pivotal role in his decision-making process. Ekitike explained that before meeting with Campos, he was already keen on joining PSG, but after their conversation, he felt even more compelled to take the opportunity. Campos’ belief in his potential and his role within the team made the move even more appealing. “I don’t put aside everything Newcastle did to get me to come,” Ekitike said. “If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there. But when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.” These words were indicative of how highly Ekitike regarded the chance to play for PSG, a club that has become synonymous with success and star power, especially in French football.

Ekitike’s time at PSG began on a high note, but it also came with its own set of challenges. After joining the club, he spent a significant amount of time adapting to the high standards set by one of Europe’s most prestigious teams. The competition for places in the PSG squad was fierce, and the presence of top-tier forwards such as Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar made it difficult for Ekitike to find consistent minutes. Despite the fierce competition, the young forward remained patient and continued to improve his game. He ended up making 33 appearances for PSG, contributing with four goals and assists, which was a solid return considering the level of competition within the squad.

However, Ekitike’s time at PSG was relatively short-lived. In January 2024, he was loaned out to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, a move that would prove to be an important chapter in his career. Frankfurt, a club known for its passionate fanbase and competitive football in Germany, offered Ekitike the chance to play more regularly and continue his development. This move came just a year after PSG made his signing permanent, but it was a strategic decision to help Ekitike gain more experience in a top European league. The Bundesliga is often seen as a place where young talents can thrive, and it was hoped that the move to Frankfurt would be a stepping stone for Ekitike to take the next step in his career.

Frankfurt’s decision to bring in Ekitike for a loan spell also reflected the club’s belief in his potential. The striker joined the club for a fee of £13.6 million (€16.5 million) during the summer of 2023, and his performances have been widely praised. He has become a key player for Frankfurt, showcasing his ability to score goals, create opportunities, and contribute to the team’s overall attacking play. His move to Germany has allowed him to gain more playing time, and he has adapted well to the demands of the Bundesliga. The exposure to the German league, coupled with the experience of playing in both France and Germany, has undoubtedly helped Ekitike develop further as a player.

Now, with the summer transfer window looming, Ekitike’s future is once again a subject of speculation. His performances at Frankfurt have caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, with both Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly showing interest in signing the 22-year-old. These two clubs, both with rich histories in English football and high aspirations, are keen to bolster their attacking options, and Ekitike fits the profile of a player they could target in the coming months. Arsenal, in particular, has been linked with Ekitike as a potential alternative to Alexander Isak, the Newcastle forward who has been in fine form this season.

The link to Chelsea is also intriguing, as the club has shown a willingness to invest in young talent in recent seasons. With both clubs reportedly interested in Ekitike, the French striker’s next move could see him making a high-profile switch to the Premier League, a league that has long been considered one of the best in the world. However, the player’s history of rejecting a move to Newcastle in 2022 means that his next decision will be a critical one for his career.

The footballing world is always full of uncertainty, and transfers often come with their fair share of twists and turns. Ekitike’s story is one of resilience, patience, and making difficult decisions at key moments in his career. The decision to reject Newcastle in 2022 may have seemed like a bold move at the time, but in hindsight, it was one that allowed him to further develop as a player and secure a move to PSG. From there, his path took him to Frankfurt, where he has flourished, and now, it appears that his next step could see him joining one of the Premier League’s most prominent clubs.

As Ekitike’s career continues to unfold, it is clear that he is a player with immense potential. His skillset, maturity, and decision-making ability make him a valuable asset for any club, and with the interest of clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, he is bound to be at the center of more transfer speculation in the coming months. Whether he ultimately makes the switch to the Premier League or decides to stay in Germany or France, one thing is certain: Hugo Ekitike’s journey is far from over, and the football world will be watching closely as his next move unfolds.