Keith Downie has commented on talks between Newcastle United and Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for striker Hugo Ekitike this summer.
After initial reports of interest on Saturday, it has since been confirmed that the 23-year-old is a top target on Tyneside, and work is being done to get the deal over the line in a timely manner.
Newcastle United signing Hugo Ekitike is a huge statement of intent. The club were aware of what needed to be done after a successful 2024/25 campaign, which included their first piece of silverware since 1969.
There have been suggestions over what could happen with Alexander Isak if Ekitike were to join, with some Liverpool fans believing the deal means he is signing for them.
However, it has been confirmed Eddie Howe plans to play Isak and Ekitike together at Newcastle next season.
While that appears to be the plan for next season, Keith Downie has suggested Howe’s idea could be short-lived.
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Keith Downie suggests Hugo Ekitike’s deal could lead to Alexander Isak leaving
Newcastle want to give Isak a new contract this summer to reflect his importance to the team and keep the likes of Liverpool away from him. However, there will be concerns if he is not tied down to a new deal before the start of the Premier League season.
Ekitike’s £60million+ deal is expected to become the new club-record signing, overtaking Isak’s £63million transfer fee in 2022. The Frenchman could also be his long-term replacement, according to Downie.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Speaking to Sky Sports News about the deal, Downie said: “You have to look at it in terms of succession planning for Newcastle. Alexander Isak isn’t going to be around here forever.
“Yes, Newcastle want to pin him down to a new deal, and they hope to have talks later on this summer. Those talks have to start, and while he has three years left on his contract, if he doesn’t sign a new deal, it’s a completely different scenario this time next summer.
"I think there's a bit of succession planning from Newcastle" 👀
Keith Downie breaks down why Newcastle are interested in Hugo Ekitike and what it could mean for Alexander Isak ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/U4q02rRhBy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 15, 2025
View Tweet
“Newcastle may feel they need to cash in on a player with just two years left on his contract and is worth a lot of money, worth in excess of £100m. Perhaps if Ekitike was to come in, play alongside Isak for a season, learn the ropes from him to some extent, it would make sense.
“If Isak was to move on next summer, Ekitike would be the man. But at least Newcastle would get a season with the two together.”
Alexander Isak is having a team built around him at Newcastle United
While there will naturally be concerns for Isak’s future with Newcastle in talks for Ekitike, it is clear that the Magpies are not interested in selling him this summer, even if a significant offer came in for him.
It is worth pointing out that Downie also mentioned how he does not believe Isak will leave this summer, but the groundwork appears to be in place for when it does happen.
Even though his long-term future is in doubt, Howe is putting the groundwork in place for Isak to be at the club for many years to come.
Isak is chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s favourite player, and has asked Howe to keep him at the club at all costs. Howe is also reportedly building a team around Isak this summer to keep him happy and get the most out of him.
With Anthony Elanga officially a Newcastle player, Ekitike could be the next face through the door.