Newcastle were initially snubbed by Ekitike in January 2022 as they sat in the Premier League relegation zone. After avoiding relegation with aplomb, The Magpies made a fresh attempt to sign the striker and even saw a £25million bid accepted by Stade de Reims but were once again turned down by Ekitike.

Joe Buck takes a look at the reasons why Hugo Ekitike twice rejected a move to Newcastle United in 2022 and why now is different for both parties. The Magpies could smash their current record transfer to sign Ekitike this summer to partner Alexander Isak.