Newcastle Rekindle Hugo Ekitike Chase Amid £86m Tug of War
Newcastle United’s pursuit of a marquee striker has reignited serious interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, a name long familiar to fans on Tyneside. Talks have been heating up this past week, with representatives from Newcastle meeting both Frankfurt officials in Germany and Ekitike’s camp in Austria, where the Magpies are currently undergoing pre-season preparations. The deal, if it materializes, could mark a record-breaking move for the club, potentially eclipsing the £63 million fee paid for Alexander Isak in 2022.
Ekitike, just 23, has become a major talking point in Europe thanks to his explosive form in the Bundesliga. Last season, he netted 22 goals across all competitions and played a pivotal role in guiding Frankfurt to Champions League qualification. It's no surprise that Newcastle, and now Liverpool too, are circling.
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But here’s the twist—this isn’t the first time Newcastle have chased Ekitike. Back in 2022, they came close to signing him before he made the high-profile switch from Reims to Paris Saint-Germain. At the time, he said it was impossible to turn down PSG as a young French talent, even though he acknowledged Newcastle’s efforts in courting him.
Fast forward to now, and the landscape has shifted. Frankfurt have already secured Jonathan Burkardt as a potential replacement, signaling their readiness to cash in. The sticking point remains the price—£86 million. Liverpool are interested but hesitant at that valuation. Their ideal target remains Alexander Isak, but should that door close, Ekitike becomes an attractive alternative.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are bracing for every possible outcome with Isak. If the Swedish forward refuses a contract extension or pushes for a move, the Magpies want to be ready. That’s where Ekitike fits in—a proven goal scorer, a physical and technical presence, and someone who has matured from a loan spell in Denmark to a Bundesliga star.
What’s especially compelling about Ekitike is his mindset. As a teenager at Reims, he was told to model his game after strikers just below Kylian Mbappé’s level. But within months, he aimed to match Mbappé himself. That drive is what has scouts across Europe intrigued—and also what makes him a fit for the Premier League.
Whether it’s Newcastle sealing a statement signing or Liverpool adding one more weapon to their refreshed arsenal, Hugo Ekitike is clearly on the cusp of a big move. The only question now is: who’s willing to pay the price to unleash him?
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