Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has warned his defenders as they prepare to face Hugo Ekitike, a player he had hoped to sign for the club this season.
Liverpool, who visit St. James’ Park on Monday night, signed the 23-year-old French striker from Eintracht Frankfurt last month in a £69 million ($92.8m) deal. The move came amid the Anfield club’s continued interest in luring Newcastle’s star forward, Alexander Isak, before the summer transfer window closes.
Ekitike was a long-term target for Newcastle, and having missed out on him, they must now contain him while searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
“I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years,” Howe said. “He’s got really good qualities and he showed that in his first Premier League game. He had a really good debut against Bournemouth.”
Howe added: “He’s got really good movement, is intelligent, good in the air, scores goals, and scores off both feet. Our job will be to keep him quiet. He is going to be a threat this year.”
Ekitike has already made an impact in English football, scoring in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and in last weekend’s 4-2 league victory over Bournemouth.
He was one of several attacking players identified by the Magpies this summer as they seek a replacement for Callum Wilson and cover in case Isak departs. The club also missed out on João Pedro, who joined Chelsea, and Benjamin Sesko, who signed for Manchester United.
While Howe has secured the signings of Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, Malick Thiaw, and Jacob Ramsey, he admits he will be relieved when the transfer window closes. The club is still pursuing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and, with less certainty, Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.
“I’ll be pleased when it’s here—pleased if we have what we want,” Howe said. “Whenever you go through a window, there are ups and downs. It feels like there’s been quite a few downs in this one, but also quite a few positives as well.”
“The players we’ve signed are very good players who will add a lot to the squad in terms of ability, athleticism, and fresh energy. There are big positives for us. Of course, there’s one big challenging situation that’s not resolved. From that side, I can’t wait for the end of the window because we can get back to focusing on the football matches.”
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