Erik ten Hag wants Hugo Ekitike at Man Utd
In January, the 19-year-old was extensively linked with a move to Newcastle United, but no agreement was reached before the transfer deadline.
Ten Hag is now interested in signing the young Frenchman, who has 10 goals and three assists for Reims this season, according to ESPN.
There is, however, a lot of competition. Newcastle is still interested in Ekitike, but Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also said to be interested.
Last winter, the Magpies were willing to pay £25 million upfront, but it is now believed that he might be available for as little as £12.85 million.
In our opinion:
Ekitike has had an outstanding debut season for Reims. He scored 13 goals until February when he suffered a catastrophic hamstring injury.
Despite the setback, the youngster appears to be garnering a lot of attention. A number of clubs believe in his ability to develop into a genuine goalscorer in the future.
Ten Hag likes to develop young players, as seen at Ajax, although he may want to bring in two forwards this summer, one of whom should be a productive scorer.
Ekitike is still inexperienced at the highest level. Before he becomes a regular starter, the Dutch tactician may use him off the bench on a regular basis.
The same thing may happen at Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Newcastle appears to be the most probable club to guarantee him a starting spot in the 2022/23 season.
It may eventually come down to what the child wants to do. He would have the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Bayern Munich and possibly with Arsenal.
United is likely to offer him a place in the Europa League. At St James’ Park, none of this would be conceivable. Ten Hag will be hopeful that United can entice the young marksman. United has a strong pulling power over the years.
