Louis Saha believes Huko Ekitike can forge a devastating partnership up front with Alexander Isak. Reports are claiming Newcastle United will make a third approach to sign the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Two failed attempts last year left a sour taste in Toon fans’ mouths but there is talk of a potential loan deal in January. The Magpies tried to sign Ekitike during and following his breakout campaign at Ligue 1 outfit Reims.
He ultimately joined PSG but was a mere bit-part player last season, with superstars Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi ahead of him in the pecking order. The latter two players left in the summer but that has done little to improve the 21-year-old’s situation.
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New PSG boss Luis Enrique banished Ekitike - who has played just eight minutes all season - from the first-team picture in August. That decision has raised further questions but former Toon loanee Saha insists the Frenchman can still become a Tyneside success.
“Hugo Ekitike is an exciting player,” he told Paddy Power. “It didn’t work out for him at all at Paris Saint-Germain but going to a side that had Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe when you’re young is always going to be difficult.
“He’s been lacking confidence and time to impose his game. Newcastle will see he has potential. He has quick feet and he’s tall. He can build a good partnership with Alexander Isak up top and there are lots of players who can play off him because he’s very intelligent.
“He’ll have to adapt to the Premier League because it’s a different animal but these signings are a gamble in the January transfer window. Ekitike is more like Isak than Callum Wilson. There are elements to his game which he can improve, including his movement and finishing.
“Isak is already close to being the finished product and he can score 20 to 25 goals a season for Newcastle. His energy levels are so high and he’s really hard to defend against because he’s really technically gifted. There’s massive talent at St. James’ Park already but I would be thrilled with another signing like Ekitike.”
