Newcastle have made a bold move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, potentially impacting Liverpool’s chase for Newcastle’s striker Alexander Isak.
The Magpies’ transfer activity has intensified the Premier League market as both clubs aim to strengthen their attacks for the 2025/26 season.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Newcastle have tabled an official bid for Ekitike, surpassing a previous 70 million euros offer from another club.
“Newcastle submitted an official bid today to Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike! Proposal higher than 70 million euros previously offered by another club this summer with Newcastle pushing to get the deal done. Negotiations underway,” Romano posted on X on July 15.
The 23-year-old Frenchman, who scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 matches across all competitions last season, has long been on Newcastle’s radar. They nearly signed him in January 2022 from Reims and again last summer before he moved to Frankfurt for 14.3 million pounds.
Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike comes after they secured winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for 55 million pounds last week, a signing that marked the start of their summer business.
Head coach Eddie Howe, reportedly disappointed after missing out on Chelsea-bound Joao Pedro, sees Ekitike as a versatile forward capable of partnering or competing with Alexander Isak.
The Telegraph reported that Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike, whose release clause stands at 100 million euros, does not signal an intent to sell Isak. “Should Newcastle complete the signing of the Frenchman, it does not mean Isak will be sold this summer. The Newcastle hierarchy still intend to offer last season’s top goalscorer a new contract later this summer and have no interest in selling him in this window,” the report stated.
However, Newcastle’s financial constraints, driven by Premier League profit and sustainability rules, add complexity. The Athletic noted that signing Ekitike without offloading a high-profile player like Isak could pose challenges, especially after the Magpies sold Yankuba Minteh and Elliott Anderson last summer to comply with regulations.
Despite this, sources close to Newcastle, including Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder, emphasized that Howe remains confident in retaining Isak, who scored 27 goals in the 2024/25 season and helped the club win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League qualification. “Howe has ‘no fears’ the striker ‘will need settling down’ at St James’ Park,” Ryder reported.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have set their sights on Isak as their primary target to strengthen their attack. Transfer journalist Nicolo Schira posted on X on July 15, “Alexander Isak is Liverpool’s main target as striker since March. Liverpool are still working on this transfer deal, even if so far Newcastle have not wanted to hear any offers”.
The Reds, who have already signed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez this summer, view Isak as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with a move to Napoli.
Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike has also been noted, with Foot Mercato reporting that the Reds have contacted Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as an alternative option.
The situation remains fluid, with Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike potentially opening the door for Liverpool to test their resolve on Isak, whose valuation could exceed 150 million pounds. As both clubs navigate the transfer window, fans are braced for a dramatic conclusion to this high-stakes saga.
