Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike this summer for £79m but it now is being claimed that if Newcastle United had signed him, it’s likely that Alexander Isak would be at Anfield by now.
Of course, Ekitike always had his eyes on Liverpool but it’s true that Newcastle were long-term admirers of the Frenchman.
Eddie Howe has confirmed as much.
“There’s no doubt I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
“He’s got really good qualities, and he showed that in his first Premier League game, he had a really good debut against Bournemouth.
“He’s got really good movement, intelligent, good in the air, scores goals, scores off both feet. Our job will be to keep him quiet. He is going to be a threat this year.”
Liverpool would have signed Alexander Isak by now if they hadn’t signed Hugo Ekitike
According to a claim from Newcastle journalist Craig Hope, Liverpool may have muddled the Isak pursuit a bit themselves.
In response to a question from a Newcastle supporter on X, Hope confirmed that had Newcastle signed Ekitike, Isak would likely be a Liverpool player by now.
Hope said: “Liverpool are entitled to sign a player they liked & had tracked, of course.
“A very good player. But yes, had Newcastle signed Ekitike, I think Isak to Liverpool would have happened.”
Liverpool are entitled to sign a player they liked & had tracked, of course. A very good player.
But yes, had Newcastle signed Ekitike, I think Isak to Liverpool would have happened. https://t.co/wacvWQylgl
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 22, 2025
It also hasn’t helped that Newcastle have failed to sign every attacker they’ve pursued
First it was Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, then it was Hugo Ekitike.
More recently, Benjamin Sesko rejected Newcastle for Manchester United, who were nearly relegated last season.
Yoane Wissa, who does want to join Newcastle unlike the others, may not join the Magpies either but that’s more down to poor negotiating from the Tyneside outfit.
In short, Liverpool are not to blame for Newcastle’s transfer blunders this summer or for broken promises between them and Alexander Isak.
It’s very unfortunate for supporters as they’re blameless. Newcastle have simply had a poor summer window but they will bounce back in the future.