Newcastle United have contacted Hugo Ekitike’s agents over a possible move to the club in a deal worth £86m, leaving fans wondering what will happen to Alexander Isak.
Fans were shocked to learn Eddie Howe and his recruitment team were so intent on signing the Frenchman who brutally rejected them in 2022.
Hugo Ekitike snubbed Newcastle United for Paris Saint-Germain in the end, but his time at the French giants was underwhelming due to the presence of players like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
However, it is commonly known Newcastle are now looking for a striker following the departure of Callum Wilson after five seasons, and they believe Ekitike fits the bill.
Newcastle have contacted Ekitike’s agent over his availability, as they believe he is the right person to come in and replace Wilson. Young, dynamic, and experienced at 23. With Ekitike a clear target for the Magpies, it begs the question of what will happen with Alexander Isak if he signs? A new report has laid out the plans, and it is good news for Newcastle fans.
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring in a Premier League game between Brighton and Newcastle United.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Alexander Isak will not leave Newcastle United if Hugo Ekitike signs
The future of Isak has been in question for fans outside of Newcastle, but the Geordies are fully aware of how Eddie Howe feels about the Swede.
Reports suggest Isak could sign for Liverpool this summer, but those reports are not to be believed. According to the Telegraph, Newcastle want to sign Ekitike to play alongside Isak, rather than as a replacement or second choice to him.
Newcastle missed out on signing Joao Pedro, who scored in Sunday’s Club World Cup final against PSG. A similar plan was in place for those two as well, with someone dropping out of the starting XI for Howe to play two strikers.
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Despite links with Ekitike, Newcastle fans would rather sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford. The 28-year-old will cost significantly less than Ekitike and has already proven he can perform in the Premier League. It remains to be seen which striker they finally opt for.
Who would drop out of the starting XI if Hugo Ekitike joined Newcastle United?
Having missed out on him three years ago, fans would still be delighted to welcome another promising young striker to Tyneside. A player who will likely be part of the team for many years to come.
The deal for Ekitike could not be done back then, but surely all will be forgiven if he decides to make the move in 2025. With Howe eager to use him alongside Isak, someone will have to give up their place in Newcastle’s starting line-up.
This summer proves more difficult to change the squad around as there is much more quality than there was a couple of years ago. Anthony Elanga has just joined Newcastle, and the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali will be reluctant to move after having a brilliant season.
Weighing up the options, the player most likely to leave the starting XI would be Joelinton. The Brazilian was taken out of the squad at the back end of last season due to a knee injury, but is now back and available for the new season. Joelinton admitted his injury troubles were ‘very difficult’, and he may now be reduced to a squad player if Ekitike moves to Tyneside.
Howe could still have another trick up his sleeve, which sees them both able to play at the same time, but he Joelinton will be the most likely casualty from the deal.