On Tuesday morning, we covered claims from Germany that Newcastle United are serious about Hugo Ekitiké, who is valued at €100m Eintracht Frankfurt. It was suggested the Magpies are unlikely to match their request.
Later that day, Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg reported the German club have rejected Newcastle’s €80m bid as they aren’t convinced with the payment terms.
Earlier today, Bild reiterated Eintracht Frankfurt’s €100m request and explained that the Magpies are expected to return with an improved bid. They also stated Ekitiké is open to a move to the Premier League.
Despite earlier suggestions indicating Eddie Howe’s side won’t meet the Bundesliga club’s request, a fresh report from Bild now claims otherwise.
The Tyneside club’s pursuit of the 23-year-old’s is entering a hot phase and it’s claimed they want to complete his signing as soon as possible. Newcastle United are now said to be willing to cover a total package worth €100m, which is what the German club have been demanding.
Eintracht Frankfurt are expecting Newcastle’s new offer of around €100m, likely including bonuses, to arrive shortly.
Ekitiké’s options are limited, after Arsenal and Chelsea dropped out of the race. Liverpool have identified him as a backup to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. Al-Hilal are also keen, but the player isn’t interested in a move to Saudi Arabia.
Howe’s side haven’t agreed personal terms with the frontman but have still sent an offer to Eintracht Frankfurt. That’s suprirsing some around the potential deal, but Bild believe it’s Newcastle’s strategy to put pressure on Ekitiké to accept a move.
They state: ‘Eintracht will not accept any offer from a club until there is a clear agreement between Ekitiké and the receiving club. Star agent Ali Barat has apparently also been called in to handle the tricky striker’s move to England.’
Plettenberg took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to report that Eintracht Frankfurt are expecting Newcastle’s second offer. He adds the Magpies have made significant progress and the operation for Ekitiké is advanced.
When Newcastle United really have collapsed and agreed to a €100m package remains to be seen.