Newcastle Eye Record-Breaking Move for Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike Amid Isak Speculation

Posted : 16 July 2025

Newcastle United are making headlines with a bold pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, a move that could break their transfer record. While such investments usually excite fans, some Magpies supporters are uneasy—especially with reports that Premier League champions Liverpool are circling their star striker, Alexander Isak.

Newcastle’s initial £70 million bid for Ekitike was reportedly rejected by the Bundesliga side. However, the club remains committed to securing the versatile French forward, who impressed last season with 15 goals and eight assists. The deal, if completed, would surpass the £63 million the club paid for Isak in 2022.

According to sources, Liverpool have made inquiries into signing Isak, exploring a potential £130 million package. Newcastle, though, remain adamant that the Swedish international is not for sale. Club insiders suggest that rather than preparing for Isak’s exit, Newcastle are aiming to build a more versatile attack that allows tactical flexibility.

Ekitike is known for his adaptability, capable of playing across the front line, though he primarily operated as a lone striker for Frankfurt. Like Isak, he thrives in central roles, raising questions about how the two would coexist in a team that typically fields just one centre-forward under Eddie Howe.

BBC Newcastle’s Matthew Raisbeck believes the club’s interest in Ekitike reflects a desire to build depth and tactical options. “Newcastle value versatility. They previously chased Chelsea’s Joao Pedro for similar reasons,” he noted. “They’re not planning to sell Isak. This move is about depth, not replacement.”

Statistics back up the similarities in Ekitike and Isak’s playing styles. Both players operate predominantly in central roles and contribute significantly to build-up play. Touch maps show that Ekitike drifts slightly deeper, suggesting he could complement Isak by linking midfield and attack—especially since he ranks among the top Bundesliga forwards for chance creation.

Ekitike’s story is a compelling one. After an early stint with Reims, he signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 but failed to break through, eventually finding form at Frankfurt. German football analyst Constantin Eckner describes him as tactically intelligent, capable of playing in a two-striker formation or as a solo frontman. His partnership with Omar Marmoush early last season was especially effective, until Marmoush was sold to Manchester City.

“Ekitike isn’t the flashiest striker, but he reads the game well and can beat defenders with smart positioning,” Eckner told BBC Sport. He added that Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche will reportedly not consider any offer below £86 million.

Despite the fan speculation, Newcastle appear firm in their plan to keep Isak and strengthen their squad for domestic and European challenges. With Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, and new arrival Anthony Elanga available out wide, the addition of Ekitike would offer further depth and options—allowing Howe to switch tactics during matches without weakening the attack.

The message from Newcastle remains clear: Isak is staying. But the pursuit of Ekitike signals that the club is preparing to compete on all fronts—and they want the firepower to match.

Newcastle Eye Record-Breaking Move for Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike Amid Isak Speculation

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