Newcastle United have launched a bid around the club record fee for Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer after missing out on him in 2022.
The Frenchman is coming off a brilliant season in the Bundesliga, registering 23 goal involvements in 33 appearances. His form has caught the attention of many this summer, including Newcastle United.
Hugo Ekitike has a rough history with Newcastle, having rejected a move to the Magpies in 2022. However, all should surely be forgiven if he finally completes his move.
Liverpool fans think they can sign Alexander Isak if Ekitike joins Newcastle, but their hopes are far from the truth. Eddie Howe wants Ekitike and Isak to be partners at Newcastle, forming a devastating attacking lineup.
By no means will a deal be cheap for the 23-year-old, as Ekitike has a £86million release clause. Given how much they received for Randal Kolo Muani and Omar Marmoush in recent years, it is clear Newcastle will have to pay a top price for the striker.
Despite their stance, Newcastle have placed a bid of around £61m for Ekitike, though it will likely be turned down.
With Ekitike one of many targets in attack, a statistic from last season has revealed exactly why Newcastle are so keen on signing him.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring in a Bundesliga game between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig.
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike had more goal involvements than Rayan Cherki and Florian Wirtz last season
Newcastle need a new striker now Callum Wilson has left, and Howe knows it. As it stands, William Osula is the Magpies’ backup option to Isak, and while the 21-year-old showed his quality at times last season, a new striker with experience is still an idea welcomed with open arms.
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Outside of Newcastle, big deals have been happening. Florian Wirtz signed for Liverpool while Newcastle target Rayan Cherki joined Manchester City.
The pair enjoyed a great 2024/25 campaign, but they were not able to better the goal involvements of Ekitike.
2024/25 Statistics (All competitions) Hugo Ekitike Rayan Cherki Florian Wirtz
Appearances 48 44 45
Goals 22 12 16
Assists 12 20 15
Total goal contributions 24 32 31
In all competitions, Ekitike managed an impressive 34 goal contributions for Frankfurt, whereas Cherki could only put up 32, and Wirtz 31. Of course, Ekitike plays in a different position to them both, but his assist tally was just as impressive as his goals.
Why Hugo Ekitike rejected Newcastle United in 2022
While Newcastle fans may not have the nicest opinion on him, Ekitike still has respect for Newcastle after their talks three years ago. The deal officially broke down in July of 2022 when Paris Saint-Germain came calling, but it looked like he was going to be a Newcastle player for some time.
He turned down the chance to join in January of that year as well, with many believing he was reluctant to leave France so suddenly at a young age. It is completely different now, and England looks to be a possible destination.
Speaking about his failed move to Newcastle with Le10Sport in 2022, Ekitike said: “I had an appointment with Luis (Campos) which meant a lot for me.
“It was not so long ago. We talked a lot, he is someone I consider enormously. I wanted to come to PSG before this exchange but it convinced me even more.
“I don’t put aside everything Newcastle did to get me to come. If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there. But when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse.”