Newcastle United have reignited their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike with an £86m bid potentially in the works. But while the Magpies zero in on the Frankfurt striker, the bigger twist could be what it signals about Alexander Isak’s future — and Liverpool are keeping close tabs.
Newcastle Accelerate Hugo Ekitike Chase – But Is Isak Still Untouchable?
Newcastle’s transfer window is heating up, and Hugo Ekitike is suddenly back on their radar. After completing a big-money deal for Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, the Magpies are now shifting their attention to bolstering their forward line — again — and this time, they may not miss out.
Having failed to land Ekitike on two separate occasions, once when he chose Paris Saint-Germain over Tyneside and again last summer when he opted for Eintracht Frankfurt, Newcastle are preparing another attempt. The French striker, still only 23, scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists in all competitions last season, thriving in the Bundesliga after a mixed spell in Ligue 1.
According to The Telegraph, Frankfurt are likely to demand the full €100m (£86m) release clause written into Ekitike’s contract, but Newcastle have already made their interest known to the player’s representatives. The timing is intriguing. Frankfurt recently sealed the signing of Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz for around £18m — a deal some believe was made in anticipation of Ekitike’s departure.
Newcastle’s Longstanding Interest Now Fuelled by Champions League Ambitions
This isn’t the first time Newcastle have targeted Ekitike, but it feels more concrete now. Eddie Howe’s squad is returning to Champions League action next season, and the need for attacking depth is obvious. Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have carried much of the burden up front, but injuries and the fixture pile-up of top-tier European competition make a third option not just ideal — but essential.
Whether Ekitike is that complementary piece or a potential heir to Isak, however, is where the story shifts into more intriguing territory.
The Telegraph reports that Ekitike is being targeted as a rotation option to partner Isak, not replace him. They also suggest Newcastle are preparing a new contract offer to their top scorer, who still has three years left on his current deal.
But others aren’t so sure.
Liverpool Quietly Monitoring Isak’s Situation
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey told TBR Football this week that Ekitike may actually be lined up as a replacement, not a sidekick.
“It’s gone under the radar that Frankfurt have already signed Jonathan Burkardt,” Bailey said. “That’s effectively Ekitike’s replacement. And there’s real belief in England that Frankfurt won’t hold out for the full €100m.”
Bailey also revealed that Ekitike has long been on Liverpool’s striker shortlist — and that Newcastle’s pursuit may offer a backdoor opportunity for the Reds.
“Liverpool know the striker market very well, and Ekitike is one who has impressed them. But their dream target remains Alexander Isak. Newcastle are doing their due diligence on replacements in case he doesn’t agree a new deal,” Bailey added.
While Liverpool aren’t expected to move aggressively for a striker unless Mohamed Salah departs or a major bid is accepted for Darwin Núñez, their interest in Isak hasn’t cooled. The Swede’s blend of technical finesse and clinical finishing makes him a prime candidate for a future front-three reshuffle at Anfield.
What This Means for the Summer Window
If Newcastle push ahead for Ekitike and Frankfurt lower their asking price, a deal could move quickly. It would mark a significant investment — even more than Elanga’s £55m arrival — and could either support or signal the end of Alexander Isak’s time on Tyneside.
While the club insists there’s no plan to sell Isak this summer, the business behind the scenes suggests they are preparing for all scenarios. Should Isak reject a new contract or be tempted by a Champions League powerhouse, Ekitike could swiftly become Plan A instead of Plan B.
For Liverpool, this could be a rare win-win. Either Newcastle hold firm and they get another season to monitor Isak’s progress, or the Magpies cash in and the Reds are first in line for a player who fits Jürgen Klopp’s system.
Newcastle fans will hope it’s the former. But if Ekitike arrives and the Isak speculation gains momentum, it could become one of the summer’s defining transfer stories.
