Things are finally starting to heat up for Newcastle United in the summer transfer window
The new football financial year looks to have inspired us to start flexing our muscles in the market, with Anthony Elanga set to be announced imminently after passing his medical on Tyneside over the past 24 hours.
And the activity doesn’t look to be finished there, as a familiar name has now been linked with a move to St James’ Park three years after he almost arrived from France.
Newcastle reignite Ektike interest
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United are showing interest in a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt attacker and former PSG talent Hugo Ekitike.
It seems we aren’t the only club keen, however, as Romano mentions previous contact from Liverpool and Chelsea, while two clubs in the Middle East have shown interest, despite his priority being to remain in Europe.
Writing on X, Romano said: ‘Hugo Ekitike keeps attracting interest from Premier League with Newcastle keen on the striker.
‘More Premier League clubs remain also informed on situation, after Liverpool and Chelsea calls in June. Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah called in recent weeks but his priority is Europe.’
It’s not the first time we’ve been linked with Ekitike. Newcastle almost signed the then 19-year-old back in January 2022 when he was at Reims, only for him to reject us in favour of a move to PSG six months later.
But he struggled to find form in the French capital, whilst a stint in Frankfurt looks to have revitalised his career, with 22 goals in 48 appearances last season.
Newcastle may be interested – we have a thing for long-term targets – but, if we’re being honest, this doesn’t feel particularly likely while Alexander Isak is still here. Others have also questioned if this is our name being attached (not for the first time this summer) in an agent-led push to garner more interest.
Would Ekitike fit Newcastle United?
In many ways, Ekitike would make a lot of sense: being a prolific young attacker who we can help build the future of the club around, he should only get better from here.
And tactically, it would crucially deny both Chelsea and Liverpool a reported target, though the Blues aren’t exactly devoid of current options in attack after beating us to deals for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
Although, the same question must be asked: Will Ekitike be willing to join us in with Alexander Isak still set to be the primary goalscorer and focal point of the team?
He has no shortage of suitors, each of whom would be willing to make him their primary centre forward, you would imagine.
And would the huge fee – approximately £70m – that Frankfurt are asking for the Frenchman, instead be better spent elsewhere in the squad, such as on a new right-sided centre back?
Forget it. We shouldn’t pursue someone who didn’t want to come, and also not tested in the Premier League.
VVYY CHOW(Quote)
If we can afford him, I’d have him, but we need a centre half, a Keeper, cover in midfield (for Longstaff and willock if they go) and also cover at full back, so where is the money coming from?
MorpethMag(Quote)
He was a kid when he said he did not want to come in the past and it made sense for him to stay where he was. I would love a young striker to learn his trade from Isak.
Mr. Richard Milligan(Quote)
For me they need to spend their money on a RCB, LB, ACM and GK, if they have money left over a CF. Would he be good probably, but you could get other players with more experience for cheaper. Unless there is a pile of money from sponsorship coming around the corner I can’t see it this summer.
1lostandfound(Quote)
I wish Newcastle would stop time wasting over unattainable players!
X.Y,WHY,MAN.(Quote)
Big time Charlie that we don’t need. Asked to come once and had his chance. Nice goalscoring midfielder please, a centre half, and a forward as well. But not him.
The little birdy(Quote)
Newcastle are almost certainly not wasting their time chasing unobtainable players. It’s us mugs who are wasting our time reading and believing some of the drivel masquerading as journalism on here. Keep the faith X.Y,WHY,MAN. We’ll have a better team and squad next season. 👍🏻
Tommy Tantrum(Quote)
I imagine if the club have made enquiries it’s as a plan B if Isak goes this summer. If a world record bid comes in from Liverpool and he asks to go then I can’t see the club forcing him to stay. Unthinkable, I know, but if it happens and we don’t have a backup plan (Ekitike, Sesko, Gyokeres, Osimhen) then the club wouldn’t be doing their due dilligence and us fans would be fuming.
Ian(Quote)
Kid played for boyhood club the biggest in France and had chance to see idols like Messi and a Neymar. He’s gone on record as saying he would have been going to Newcastle and respected us before PSG came in which was a dream for him. He hasn’t hung around he tried then left to find game time.
Aye big time Charlie….
ToonRobbyBobson(Quote)
Romano is one of the few “journo’s “ who is often accurate .. there maybe some interest despite the usual whinging fruit loop comments .. however unless Howe changes his formation there is no way Hugo would sit on the bench .. but Elanga ,Ekitike , Isak, Gordon/Barnes front line is a spectacular front line
Mike(Quote)