Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike on an initial loan deal until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old hit 10 goals and set up four more in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season, leading to widespread interest in his services.
Newcastle United were strongly linked with a move for Ekitike, but the France Under-20 international was only interested in a switch to the Parc des Princes.
Ekitike will be on the books at Christophe Galtier's side until 2023, and Les Parisiens possess the option to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
"It's a mixture of many feelings, many emotions. I obviously feel a lot of joy and pride to be signing with Paris. It's a real proud moment to be here," Ekitike told the official PSG website.
🔴 #WelcomeHugo 🔵
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 16, 2022
👋 @hekitike9
pic.twitter.com/f4a3fsO9HA
"My heart chose Paris! I am also French, it is the club from my country. And it's a club where the greatest players play, where there is a quality and experienced staff, and the desire to win all the trophies in all the competitions.
"There is everything here for me to improve. All the ingredients are here, so it's a logical choice for me to be here. Finally, I myself have family in the Paris region and I have always followed Paris Saint-Germain. All this makes it very natural for me to want to join this club. It's the right choice for me to be here!
" I don't really have any doubts because I know what I'm capable of, and I'm looking forward to working hard to show it in Paris.
"I like the pressure of the matches, when there is tension, when there is expectation around me. It pushes me to bring out the best in myself. I want to show the fans that I will give it my all.
"I want to bring my skill, my character and my way of playing football, but also to have my impact in the game and show how I play."
© Reuters
The striker remains under contract with parent club Reims until the end of the 2023-24 season, and the buyout clause is reported to be worth as much as €35m (£29.8m).
Ekitike has followed Vitinha to the Parc des Princes for the 2021-22 season and could make his debut in Wednesday's friendly with Kawasaki Frontale if he travels with the squad to Japan.
The Frenchman's arrival could open the door for Arnaud Kalimuendo and Mauro Icardi to leave the club, with the former being strongly linked with a move to Leeds United.
Icardi has also been tipped to head back to Italy with Monza after scoring just four Ligue 1 goals last term, but the Argentine remains contracted to the club until 2024.
Galtier's side kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win over Quevilly-Rouen on Friday thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos and Djeidi Gassama.
Ben Knapton
