Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt celebratesplaceholder image
Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates | Getty Images
Newcastle United are pursuing a deal for long-term target Hugo Ekitike.
The Magpies are hoping it is third time lucky when it comes to Ekitike after he twice turned down a move to St James’ Park in 2022 before joining Paris Saint-Germain from Stade de Reims.
Ekitike struggled to make an impact during his 18 months in Paris and later fell out with head coach Luis Enrique. In January 2023, the forward joined Eintracht Frankfurt, initially on loan before completing a permanent transfer.
And the 23-year-old has reignited his career in Germany with his 22 goals last season helping to establish himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young forward.
Hugo Ekitike’s agent in Newcastle United
Liverpool and Manchester United have shown a strong interest in the player but it appears the Magpies are pushing hardest to seal a deal. According to French journalist Julien Laurens, Ekitike’s agent is currently in Newcastle to finalise a £69million deal.
He wrote on X: “Super agent Ali Barat is currently in Newcastle to finalise the Hugo Ekitike deal. Around 80m euros for the French striker from Frankfurt who had a great last season in the Bundesliga.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also provided an update, claiming Newcastle have submitted a bid higher than £60m.
“EXCL: Newcastle submitted an official bid today to Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike,” Romano wrote. “Proposal higher than €70m previously offered by another club this summer with Newcastle pushing to get the deal done. Negotiations underway. “
Why Newcastle United want to sign another striker
Newcastle are in the market for a striker after failing to agree a new contract with Callum Wilson. Ekitike is viewed as a similar profile to Joao Pedro, who Howe’side tried to sign before the Brazilian opted for a move to Chelsea.
Ekitike would be signed to play alongside and rotate with Isak, rather than replace the Swede. Isak has been regularly linked with Premier League champions Liverpool this summer but United’s stance is that he is not for sale.
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