Hugo Ekitike posts 2-Word reaction to Newcastle United 4-0 defeat at Man City after £59M transfer agreement

Hugo Ekitike, once a prominent transfer target for Newcastle United, made headlines on social media after Manchester City’s emphatic 4-0 victory on Saturday.

The spotlight of the match shone brightly on Omar Marmoush, who netted a stunning 14-minute hat-trick at the Etihad Stadium, marking his first goals for City since his £59 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt in the winter transfer window. James McAtee later added a fourth goal, completing a comprehensive defeat for Newcastle, their heaviest loss since 2022.

Marmoush’s performance underscored his prolific form this season. Before joining City, the Egyptian forward had racked up an impressive 20 goals in 26 appearances for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

After his heroics at the Etihad, his former teammate Hugo Ekitike wasted no time reacting. Ekitike shared the Premier League’s official Instagram post, which praised Marmoush’s remarkable hat-trick, and added his succinct comment: “Say less.”

Ekitike’s name remains familiar to Newcastle fans, given his association with the club during their early post-takeover transfer windows.

Newcastle had earmarked the French forward as a priority signing and submitted two bids for him, one during the winter window and another in the summer. Stade de Reims, Ekitike’s club at the time, reportedly accepted a £25 million offer, but the player ultimately chose a different path, rejecting Newcastle to join Paris Saint-Germain.

The move to PSG, however, proved challenging for Ekitike. Limited primarily to substitute appearances, his time in the French capital ended in frustration as he found himself frozen out of the squad after just one season.

This setback culminated in him watching PSG’s humbling 4-1 defeat at Newcastle in the Champions League from home. Following that disappointment, Ekitike made a fresh start in the Bundesliga, signing with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Since his move to Frankfurt, the 22-year-old has rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 21 goals in 47 appearances. His partnership with Marmoush, forged during their time at the club, played a pivotal role in his resurgence. Reflecting on his career journey, Ekitike expressed a sense of gratitude despite the struggles he faced at PSG.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Ekitike admitted that he initially struggled with his limited playing opportunities at PSG but has since gained perspective. “At the time, I didn’t see things like that because I wanted to play,” he said. “But it’s only now, after spending a lot of time at home reflecting on what happened, that I’ve realized how lucky I’ve been. I was in a position where I could watch the best players in the world train and perform up close. I’m always on a quest to learn, and that year-and-a-half gave me insights I wouldn’t have gained elsewhere.”

While Newcastle fans might now consider Ekitike a missed opportunity turned blessing, the club’s eventual signing of Alexander Isak has been a success in its own right. Isak has seamlessly integrated into Newcastle’s attack, providing the quality they needed without the uncertainty Ekitike’s move might have brought. Still, Ekitike’s resurgence in Germany has reignited interest in his potential.

Eintracht Frankfurt, who acquired Ekitike for less than £15 million, have seen his value skyrocket thanks to his consistent performances. Reports from Germany suggest that Frankfurt would now only entertain offers exceeding the £59 million Manchester City paid for Marmoush. This valuation reflects not only Ekitike’s current form but also his potential to grow into one of Europe’s elite forwards.

For Newcastle, the story of Hugo Ekitike serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football transfers. While they might have missed out on the Frenchman, his journey highlights how players’ careers can take unexpected turns.

For Ekitike, the detour through PSG and eventual revival in the Bundesliga have shaped him into a player capable of commanding attention from Europe’s biggest clubs. Whether Newcastle’s initial pursuit will someday lead to a reunion remains to be seen, but for now, Ekitike’s focus remains on continuing his upward trajectory in Germany.