Newcastle United established contact with Hugo Ekitike’s entourage ahead of a possible summer move for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker.
According to Sacha Tavolieri of Sky Sports, Newcastle United have made contact with Hugo Ekitike’s entourage ahead of a summer move. The Magpies are seeking information regarding the striker, as they are eager to get ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race.
Newcastle United will be bracing for a testing summer window, as there are chances of Alexander Isak leaving. The Magpies striker recently mentioned his desire to play in the Champions League, with massive links to Liverpool and Arsenal at different periods.
The Magpies will demand a significant fee for the Swede should he leave, and they are already looking to invest a large chunk of that fee into a new striker. Hugo Ekitike is a player of interest for Newcastle United, with the Frenchman seen as the ideal replacement for Isak in the scenario of his departure from St James Park.
Ekitike has stepped up for Eintracht Frankfurt in a big way, specifically since the departure of former striker partner Omar Marmoush. The Frenchman has 13 goals in the Bundesliga this season, and already dreams of playing in the Premier League.
Newcastle United have contacted Ekitike’s entourage to figure out more details about a transfer ahead of the summer. There might have been talks regarding the player’s preference, and what it might take for Eintracht Frankfurt to sell, which might be considerable given the 13-goal Bundesliga star has a contract until 2029.
The Magpies view Ekitike as the ideal replacement for Isak and will be on his case should the intentions of the Swede become clearer. Even though Newcastle United are trying to get ahead of the queue for the Frenchman, the former PSG man has plenty of other suitors, and he might even prefer to join a club in the Champions League.
Newcastle United face Arsenal and Liverpool competition
Newcastle United are not guaranteed to qualify for the Champions League next season, which could hamper their chances of keeping Isak as well as signing Ekitike. Arsenal and Liverpool are among those keen on the Frenchman, which could make matters tricky for the Magpies.
The Gunners have been chasing a new striker and will look to sign one, with Ekitike one of those on their list. Similarly, Liverpool are looking for a new face to replace Darwin Nunez, and while they have set sights on Isak, the failure to land the Swede could see them chase Ekitike as an alternative.