Setting their sights on a new target, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga forward who could arrive instead of Hugo Ekitike this summer.
Newcastle scout Ekitike alternative
Whilst it seems as though a fresh striker is the last thing that Newcastle need, the fact that Callum Wilson is currently on course to leave as a free agent this summer means that they could do with depth behind Alexander Isak.
It is also worth noting that the interest in signing Isak only looks likely to increase as the summer approaches, igniting a transfer window saga which may last until the very end.
Currently, Newcastle's reported £160m valuation looks as though it could fend off any potential suitors, but if that does not prove to be the case then having added firepower from the bench will prove to be no bad thing.
Gordon-Newcastle-Howe Related
[More assists than Gordon: Newcastle plotting move to sign "terrific" star](https://www.footballfancast.com/more-assists-than-gordon-newcastle-now-plotting-move-to-trincao/ "More assists than Gordon: Newcastle plotting move to sign "terrific" star")
He's enjoying an excellent season.
That said, the main name mentioned on that front has been Ekitike. The Magpies very nearly signed the Frenchman before he ultimately chose to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and have now reportedly ignited their interest as he rediscovers his best form at Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, the forward isn't the only Bundesliga star on their list of options. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz this summer after sending their scouts to watch the impressive goalscorer.
jonathan-burkardt-fc-mainz-bundesliga
Like Ekitike, Burkardt has enjoyed an excellent season in the Bundesliga to earn his way onto Newcastle's radar alongside the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Potentially left with a major decision to make when the transfer window opens, the German could be on his way to St James' Park.
"Marksman" Burkardt is more clinical than Ekitike
Although Burkardt steals fewer headlines than Ekitike, he has been in more clinical form than the Frenchman in the Bundesliga this season - even matching a long-standing Mainz record by scoring 15 Bundesliga goals in a single campaign.
Becoming the first Mainz player to do so since Shinji Okazaki in the 2013/14 campaign, the 24-year-old could now follow the same path as the former Premier League forward, courtesy of Newcastle.
Bundesliga stats 24/25 (via FBref) Jonathan Burkardt Hugo Ekitike
Starts 21 23
Goals 15 13
Assists 2 4
Expected Goals 10.9 17.5
Dubbed a "marksman" by OptaFranz after he scored his 15th goal of the season, Burkardt has been more ruthless than ever in front of goal this season - almost outperforming his xG by five goals.
In comparison, Ekitike has underperformed by over four goals, albeit whilst creating more than his Bundesliga counterpart. Two strikers who carry different traits, Newcastle must decide whether they want a clinical finisher or the more creative Ekitike.
When the summer arrives, the Magpies' striker department will certainly be one to watch as Wilson departs, interest in Isak arrives and decisions are made over deals for Ekitike and Burkardt.