Newcastle United are long-term admirers of Hugo Ekitike, but could soon be playing against him.
The French forward almost signed for Newcastle United in 2022, but snubbed a move to Tyneside on two occasions. Since then, Ekitike has gone on to justify Newcastle’s interest by thriving in an Eintracht Frankfurt shirt.
Ekitike is a player with huge potential, which is why the Magpies wanted to sign him shortly after PIF bought the club and became the Newcastle United owners.
Eddie Howe’s stance on the 22-year-old has not changed as the 2025 summer transfer window re-opens, but there is a problem.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates Eintracht Frankfurt beating Freiburg in the Bundesliga.
Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
How Newcastle United feel about signing Hugo Ekitike
While Newcastle United are still fans of Ekitike, a transfer to Tyneside is not on the cards.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle United do not believe they can justify paying Ekitike’s asking price due to the fact he is unproven in English football.
It is reported that Frankfurt want £85million for Ekitike, which is more than the Magpies have ever paid for a player. Newcastle’s most expensive signing is Alexander Isak, who cost £63million.
As Howe looks elsewhere for a forward, Newcastle aim to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton instead.
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Manchester United are trying to sign Hugo Ekitike
While Newcastle United are not going to break the bank to sign Ekitike, one of their Premier League rivals might.
Ekitike has been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool, while Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Manchester United are also making their move for the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker.
“Manchester United also have contact with the agent of Hugo Ekitike,” he said on his YouTube channel.
This comes after Manchester United missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea, just like Newcastle.
Man United also hope to sign Bryan Mbeumo, after Toon officials decided he was too expensive in terms of the fee required and his wage demands. However, the Red Devils do face new competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who are showing an interest in Mbeumo following Thomas Frank’s appointment as manager.