Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Newcastle United were still ‘keen’ to sign Hugo Ekitike.
As we all know, the Frenchman looked all set to sign from Reims back in 2022, only for the deal to stall as he ended up joining PSG instead.
Three years later, the 23-year-old has just enjoyed the best season of his career over in Germany, bagging 22 goals and 12 assists as he helped Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League.
And today, some huge claims have arrived from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, who claims we really are pushing to land the long-term target after missing out on a deal for João Pedro last month.
Edwards reports that Eddie Howe wants another striker to play alongside Alexander Isak and cover for him when needed in what promises to be a 50-60 game season, with us back in Europe and bidding to compete in the Premier League and in both domestic cups.
It’s believed Newcastle have been in contact with Ekitike’s camp to express their desire to sign the forward and explore the possibility of what would be a statement signing.
Personally, I struggle to see how Ekitike plays with Isak. Both are very similar profiles as tall, lanky strikers with quick feet and the ability to dribble past their man, with Ekitike not the same profile as Pedro; who was more than capable of dropping deep in more of a No.10 role.
However, if we were wanting to bulk up our forward options this summer, whilst also future planning should Isak depart in 12 months time, it could be a smart move. It’s just tricky to assess the exact logic at this point, if true.
Then there is the chance it is a smokescreen. We are speculating here, but we saw similar noises around Nicolo Barella just before we signed Sandro Tonali instead! Who knows, but it’s both exciting and confusing news, if that makes sense.
Newcastle were close to landing the striker in January 2022 and once again that summer, but his stock has risen since and his current release clause stands at a whopping £86m.
Chelsea, Liverpool and a couple of Saudi clubs have recently been linked with a move for the former Reims and PSG prospect.
🚨Newcastle United are hoping to finally land striker Hugo Ekitike in a huge statement of ambition #nufc https://t.co/G56LpGg1e7
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) July 12, 2025
If we can still afford, Ekitike, Trafford and Scalvini as statement signings I would be amazed, and delighted. I suspect there may be a lot of patience and bluff needed.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Either way, it’s still paramount to keep Isak. And certainly not sell to Liverpool, who virtually ‘A1’ dial-in fake rumours daily! Massive sympathy over Jota of course, but they can look elsewhere for strikers.
If we pick up a much less known striker than Ekitike for 20m from a far corner of the world that’s okay too
Adam(Quote)
No way on earth we have him and Isak at the club and if we did I suspect we cash in on Isak either now or winter window.
kimtoon(Quote)
Our ambition must be to have options in every position, Isak, Ekitiki & Osula is the sort of options we should aspire to. Maybe we are further ahesd of schedule than we belive.
PremAndUp(Quote)
A fact a lot of people seem to be missing here is that he is a versatile forward who can play on the wing or behind a striker as well.
Roberto(Quote)