‘Advancing today’ - Fabrizio Romano drops huge update on Newcastle United and Liverpool target
Newcastle United and Liverpool are battling for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool are reportedly set to advance their position in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
News emerged earlier this week that Newcastle United have been locked in negotiations for the Frenchman. An offer worth around £70million was turned down on Wednesday - with the Bundesliga club holding out for his €100million release clause.
Frankfurt paid just £14million to sign Ekitike from Paris Saint-Germain last year. A dismal time at PSG came after the 23-year-old snubbed two advances from Newcastle.
He was frozen out by Luiz Enrique after initially struggling to dislodge Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Bagging 26 goals in 18 months at Frankfurt has reasserted Ekitike as one of Europe’s top prospects.
Alexander Isak x Hugo Ekitike saga
Liverpool were keeping tabs on Ekitike going into the window as a deal for Alexander Isak appeared unlikely. It still does, with the Magpies maintaining their “not-for-sale” stance.
Isak is tied down at St James’ Park until 2028 but there has been talk about an extension. Contract negotiations were paused earlier this year but Newcastle’s preference is to offer the Swede improved terms.
When Toon chiefs launched a proposal for Ekitike, this prompted Liverpool to enquire about Isak. A swift “no” resulted in the Reds springing to life in the Ekitike chase - with Frankfurt having discussions with both clubs.
Fabrizio Romano gives Hugo Ekitike update
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed any suggestion Newcastle are close to a breakthrough is wide of the mark. His update also notes how Liverpool are prepared to ramp up negotiations today.
“Reports on Hugo Ekitike deal advancing yesterday with Newcastle are not confirmed at this stage,” he wrote on social media. “Newcastle's last bid was rejected on Monday by Eintracht and no new proposal has been sent by then.
“No advances… and Liverpool, on it. Understand Liverpool are advancing today in club-to-club talks with Eintracht for Hugo Ekitike. While Isak deal depends on the final decision by Newcastle as they insist on a not-for-sale stance. Liverpool are also progressing on both club and player side for Ekitike.”
Hugo Ekitike on PSG failure
Ekitike reflected on his failure at Paris Saint-Germain when speaking to the press last season. He told L'Equipe: "I was arriving in Messi and Neymar's last year. "Go and get them out? You can't. They have to play, they're the best players in the world.
"You're behind, you're trying to save time. Two minutes, 15 minutes, two matches on the bench then 60 minutes… there's no lying in football. Only continuity makes you a player who can count.
"I'm never going to say that I did everything well. I could have done better - that's the truth - but they (PSG) didn't help me do better. They didn't give me confidence. Even during training, even through discussions, they never really took the time to talk to me to be able to help me. I found myself in a situation where I was forced to get by.
"Even in a match, I had to think about how I moved so as not to hinder any player so that the team could function. All that, mixed with a confidence that wasn't at its maximum, with a different football… That's a lot of information that meant it didn't work, but I learned a lot."