With Alexander Isak's future in doubt, Newcastle United have reportedly made contact with an 18-goal striker who could realise his Premier League dream courtesy of the Magpies this summer.
Newcastle transfer news
Despite reportedly slapping a hefty £150m price tag on their star man, the rumours are still coming thick and fast surrounding Isak's future amid interest from the likes of Liverpool.
As they continue to struggle in pursuit of Champions League football, keeping hold of one of Europe's most wanted strikers will undoubtedly become more difficult too, perhaps handing Newcastle a long summer transfer window.
That said, what Isak's big-money exit would finally do is free up some funds for Newcastle to spend. Eddie Howe has been forced to cope without significant arrivals in the last two windows due to PSR constraints. One major sale would quickly unleash PIF's spending power, however.
AC Milan's Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring their first goal with coach Sergio Conceicao
Once unleashed, those in Tyneside could reportedly turn towards the likes of Tammy Abraham as they aim to add depth to Howe's frontline, even if Isak stays put this summer. Meanwhile, if he does depart, Abraham may not be the only forward to arrive.
According to Sky Sports' Sacho Tavolieri, Newcastle are now in contact with Hugo Ekitike over a summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt in what would see the Frenchman realise his Premier League dream and potentially replace Isak.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates for Newcastle Related
1/8 duels won: Howe must be worried after Newcastle star's worst display yet
Newcastle won at the London Stadium ahead of this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Newcastle are, of course, long-term admirers of the forward having almost landed his signature before he decided to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. In the end, it was a decision that the forward would live to regret after struggling for game time in the French capital and moving on to Frankfurt, where he has since found his best form - scoring 18 goals in all competitions.
hugo-ekitike-frankfurt
Now, with the Magpies calling for a second time, Ekitike could have a decision to make - especially if Isak moves on from St James' Park this summer.
"Superb" Ekitike is ready for the Premier League
When Ekitike ultimately failed at PSG, the jury was still out on his potential. But what was PSG's trash has since become Frankfurt's treasure which they could choose to cash in on this summer. Still just 22 years old, the forward is among a select few candidates who have managed to stay within distance of Isak on the goals front this season.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Hugo Ekitike Alexander Isak
Starts 22 25
Goals 13 19
Assists 3 5
Expected Goals 14.8 13.9
The stats suggest that there's even greater potential for Ekitike's numbers to get even better, given that he's underperformed his expected goals by almost two, whilst Isak has remained as clinical as ever.
Dubbed "simply superb" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ekitike is finally back to his best and more than ready to realise his Premier League dream. And whilst there may be some steps that need to take place before Newcastle make their move, he should be top of their wishlist if Isak does depart.
The Premier League has already seen Omar Marmoush make his mark in England. Now, his former Frankfurt strike partner could emerge to leave a mark of his own.