‘Newcastle alert Hugo Ekitike of plan to sign him after Joao Pedro snub’
Newcastle United have made Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike aware of their interest in his services after missing out on another forward option.
Eddie Howe attempted to add Joao Pedro to the attacking lineup before Chelsea hijacked a deal for the former Brighton star, with only Alexander Isak available after Callum Wilson’s exit.
Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy are now joined by Anthony Elanga in the forward line, signing the Sweden international on a £55million deal from Nottingham Forest [Sky Sports].
Ekitike, on the other hand, was one of the most in-form forwards across Europe last season, notching 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances, and has plenty of interest outside of Germany.
Football Insider understands that Liverpool will find a difficult hard to do for Ekitike, possibly leaving the door open for the Magpies to do a deal, and a fresh update has emerged at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United to race ahead for Hugo Ekitike
According to The Telegraph (12 July), the Magpies have made the player’s representatives aware of their desire to sign the 23-year-old this summer despite rival interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man United.
Howe’s side hope to agree a fee for the talented forward, who the club have tried to sign twice before, most recently in the summer of 2023 when he decided to join PSG instead.
It is also believed that if the Premier League club can agree a deal for the 23-year-old, this will not mean Isak will be sold, even despite concerns over the Newcastle star’s contract.
Eddie Howe building exciting attack at St James’ Park
Football Insider verdict
Elanga has already arrived at St James’ Park to add some much-needed reinforcement to the forward line, and Ekitike would bring a new dynamic to the final third for Howe’s side.
He can play as a centre-forward or a left-winger, and with the Magpies now competing in multiple domestic competitions as well as the Champions League, more signings make total sense.
Giorgio Scalvini has also been linked with a Newcastle move, showcasing an ambition to strengthen the backline as well as attack, attempting to create the same level of talent as the midfield.
Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes have formed one of the most feared midfield trios in European football, and supporters will be expecting great things from them once again next term.
Adding Ekitike to the mix could push the Magpies even further up the Premier League table, having finished fifth last season, beating Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest to Champions League football.
The boardroom could make a huge statement to the rest of the league by securing the Frenchman’s signature, but with several clubs on the verge of breaking PSR, the club will need to watch their step.