Newcastle United have already agreed personal terms with Liverpool target after Alexander Isak approach
Liverpool could hijack Newcastle United’s move for Hugo Ekitike after seeing their approach for Alexander Isak rejected.
Liverpool are set to rival Newcastle United for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after being told Alexander Isak is not for sale.
The Reds approached Newcastle over a potential deal for Isak, which was met with resistance. The Athletic reports that Arne Slot’s side are willing to spend a British record £120million but the Magpies value Isak in excess of £150m.
While the Swede is expected to remain at St James’ Park beyond the summer, Liverpool could still inflict a transfer blow on Newcastle.
Sky Sports News: Newcastle United in talks to sign Hugo Ekitike
The departure of Callum Wilson means Newcastle are in the market for a forward who can provide support and play alongside Isak.
Already this summer, Eddie Howe’s side have tried to sign Liam Delap and Joao Pedro but missed out on the pair to Chelsea. They have now diverted their attention to Ekitike, with the news of their pursuit going public on Monday evening.
Not only are United hoping it is third time lucky in terms of signing a striker, but for Ekitike individually. The Frenchman twice turned down a move to St James’ Park in 2022 before joining Paris Saint-Germain.
A failed spell at PSG has been followed by a hugely successful spell at Frankfurt. Last season, Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 15 assists to re-establish himself as one of Europe’s best young forwards.
Talks with Frankfurt in the past week have led to Newcastle tabling a club-record £69m. However, according to Sky Germany, that offer has been rejected.
Florian Plettenberg claims Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche “wants more” and there are clubs who have indicated they will play more. The Bundesliga side are understood to value Ekitike at £86m.
He wrote on X: “EXCL: Eintracht Frankfurt are understood to have rejected a written offer from Newcastle this morning worth €80 million, mainly due to the payment terms... and Markus Krösche wants more. There are clubs who have already signalled they would be willing to pay more.”
ESPN: Newcastle United agree personal terms Hugo Ekitike
Indeed, it is conflicting information to what ESPN journalist Julien Laurens has reported.
According to Laurens, Newcastle “are on the verge” of finalising a £69.5million deal with the player’s agent, Ali Barat, currently in Newcastle “to iron out the last few details”.
“Personal terms have been agreed with Ekitike over a five-year deal and the 23-year-old is ready for his medical,” Laurens also writes.
Either way, until a deal is officially agreed, Liverpool have scope to hijack a deal and according to Sky Sports News (see below), that’s what they plan to do after being told Isak is not available.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported similar on his YouTube channel. Romano said: “Newcastle presented an official bid to Eintracht Frankfurt worth more than 70 million euros for Hugo Ekitike, so negotiations are ongoing club to club from Monday, and also negotiations with the player side.
“Then, what happened in the recent hours is that Liverpool called to be informed on the situation of Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool always had an interest in the player and he remains one of the options they have in the list, but Hugo Ekitike will be a target only if they can't get Alexander Isak, because at this stage, Liverpool are still trying to make something crazy and special happen for Alexander Isak.”
Twenty four hours ago, it looked as though Newcastle would end up with Isak and Ekitike, now they may only end up with one, and that is likely to be Isak.