Hugo Ekitike hits out after turning down Newcastle United transfer

Hugo Ekitike has opened up about his challenging experience at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), claiming the club failed to provide the support he needed to thrive as a player.

The young French striker, who turned down a move to Newcastle United to join the Parisian giants, revealed that his time at PSG did not go as planned, despite the opportunity to train alongside some of the world’s best players.

Ekitike’s candid remarks shed light on the difficulties he faced in adapting to life at one of Europe’s most high-profile clubs.

Newcastle United had shown strong interest in Ekitike during both the mid-season and summer transfer windows in 2022. However, the striker ultimately chose PSG, a decision that left Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, without any hard feelings.

In fact, Howe went out of his way to express his genuine well-wishes for Ekitike, emphasizing that he truly hoped the young talent would succeed. Ironically, Howe’s supportive demeanor seems to reflect the kind of managerial approach Ekitike was searching for after leaving his boyhood club, Stade de Reims. Unfortunately, his experience at PSG fell short of his expectations.

Reflecting on his time in Paris, Ekitike admitted that while he gained invaluable experience training alongside global superstars like Lionel Messi and Neymar, his development as a player did not progress as he had hoped.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he explained the challenges he faced in a squad dominated by established stars. “I arrived during Messi and Neymar’s final year at the club,” he said.

“You can’t just walk in and take their place. They’re the best players in the world, so they had to play. I was often on the bench, getting limited minutes here and there—two minutes, 15 minutes, maybe a couple of matches on the bench followed by 60 minutes. Football doesn’t lie. Consistency is what makes you a player who can truly contribute.”

Ekitike acknowledged that he could have performed better during his time at PSG, but he also pointed out that the club did little to help him improve. “I’m not going to say I did everything perfectly,” he admitted.

“I could have done better—that’s the truth—but they didn’t help me do better. They didn’t give me the confidence I needed. Even during training sessions or in conversations, they never really took the time to talk to me or guide me. I found myself in a situation where I had to figure things out on my own.”

The young striker described the pressure he felt to adapt to the team’s dynamics without disrupting the established hierarchy.

“Even during matches, I had to constantly think about my movements to avoid hindering the other players and ensure the team functioned smoothly. Combine that with a lack of confidence, a different style of football, and the sheer amount of information I had to process—it was overwhelming. All of these factors made it difficult for me to succeed, but I still learned a lot from the experience.”

Ekitike’s struggles at PSG culminated in a six-month period where he didn’t play at all, prompting him to seek a fresh start elsewhere. He eventually joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan-to-buy deal, a move that has proven to be a turning point in his career.

Since joining the Bundesliga side, Ekitike has rediscovered his form, scoring 18 goals in all competitions this season. His resurgence highlights the importance of finding the right environment to nurture talent and build confidence.

Ekitike’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges young players face when transitioning to top-tier clubs, especially those with star-studded lineups. While the opportunity to train alongside legends like Messi and Neymar is undoubtedly valuable, it is equally important for clubs to provide the necessary support and guidance to help young talents flourish.

For Ekitike, his time at PSG may not have gone as planned, but it has undoubtedly shaped him into a more resilient and determined player, ready to make his mark on the world stage.

As he continues to excel at Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike’s journey offers valuable lessons for both players and clubs. For players, it underscores the importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity.

For clubs, it highlights the need to create an environment where young talents can thrive, ensuring that the next generation of stars is given the tools and confidence to succeed. Ekitike’s story is far from over, and his recent performances suggest that the best is yet to come.