Newcastle Bid for Ekitike as Liverpool Eye Isak in £130m Deal

Newcastle Bid for Ekitike as Liverpool Eye Isak in £130m Deal

Newcastle United have submitted a £70m bid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, which has been rejected by the Bundesliga club. The Magpies are expected to return with an improved offer as they attempt to secure a club-record deal for the highly rated 23-year-old.

At the same time, Premier League champions Liverpool have shown firm interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, exploring a potential £130m package for the Sweden international.

Is Ekitike a Partner or a Replacement for Isak?

Isak has scored 54 league goals since joining Newcastle in 2022

Ekitike’s potential arrival raises questions among Newcastle fans: is he coming to play alongside Isak or to replace him?

Sources close to the club insist that Isak is not for sale, with Newcastle keen to retain their top scorer ahead of a Champions League campaign. The 25-year-old has been a revelation since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a then-club record £63m, netting 54 Premier League goals in three seasons.

Meanwhile, Ekitike enjoyed a stellar season at Frankfurt, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 31 league starts. His versatility makes him an attractive option for Eddie Howe, who values tactical flexibility in his attacking line-up.

Liverpool’s Striker Hunt

Liverpool are searching for a long-term replacement for Roberto Firmino and have identified Isak as a primary target. Jurgen Klopp’s side have also explored other centre-forward options, but Isak’s proven Premier League record makes him an appealing candidate.

A deal for the Swedish forward could cost as much as £130m, though Newcastle remain determined to resist offers unless an astronomical bid arrives.

Why Newcastle Want Ekitike

BBC Newcastle’s Matthew Raisbeck suggests the Magpies are building a multi-layered attack. “Ekitike is not just a backup to Isak. Newcastle see him as a striker who can complement their current options or operate in a two-man forward line if needed,” he said.

The Frenchman’s ability to drop deep and link play offers tactical flexibility. In the Bundesliga last season, he ranked in the top 6% among strikers for chance creation, showing he is a provider as well as a scorer.

Frankfurt’s Stance on Ekitike

Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has reportedly valued Ekitike at £86m and is open to selling him if their valuation is met.

German football writer Constantin Eckner told BBC Sport:

“Ekitike is tactically intelligent and can function as a lone striker or part of a front two. While not the fastest player, his movement and positioning make him a threat.”

Frankfurt have developed a reputation for finding and selling talented players to fund future transfers—a trend that could see Ekitike move to Tyneside this summer.