Sky Sports issue major Hugo Ekitike update as Newcastle United table club-record bid
Newcastle United are attempting to sign Hugo Ekitike for the third time.
Newcastle United’s opening bid for Hugo Ekitike has reportedly been rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Newcastle are attempting to sign Ekitike for a third time, having twice been rejected by the player in 2022 before he joined Paris Saint-Germain.
Ekitike was frozen out at PSG after just one season and in a bid to reignite his career joined Frankfurt in January 2024, initially on loan before completing a £15million permanent move.
Last season, the 23-year-old re-established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards with 22 goals and 15 assists. Manchester United and Liverpool have shown interest, but Newcastle currently are pushing hardest.
Sky Sports: Eintracht Frankfurt reject Newcastle United’s Hugo Ekitike bid
In the past week, Newcastle and Frankfurt officials have held meetings in Germany and they are expected to continue in Austria, where Eddie Howe’s side are currently based for a pre-season training camp.
But as it stands, an agreement is not close, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealing Frankfurt have turned down a £69million club-record offer from Newcastle. Their current record stands at £63million for Alexander Isak.
Plettenberg claims Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche “wants more” and there are clubs who have indicated they will play more. Frankfurt are understood to value Ekitike at £86million,
“EXCL: Eintracht Frankfurt are understood to have rejected a written offer from Newcastle this morning worth €80 million, mainly due to the payment terms,” Plettenberg wrote on X.
“… and Markus Krösche wants more. There are clubs who have already signalled they would be willing to pay more. #SGE@SkySportDE”
Why Newcastle United want 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. Strength in depth is required as the Magpies prepare to compete on four fronts - the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Newcastle recently tried to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro but missed out to Chelsea.
Providing an update on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: “They believe Ekitike is perfect for Eddie Howe in terms of skills, potential and goals to bring to the squad and play Champions League football. Newcastle are working hard on the deal to sign Hugo Ekitike.
“He is a top target for them, really pushing now and working on the agreement on the player’s side at Eintracht. Of course, he is an expensive player so it is not an easy deal but Newcastle are in it in these hours, not three or four weeks. Let them work and see what is going to happen.
“We know there are interest from several clubs around Europe, including Liverpool who are still waiting to see what will happen with Darwin Nunez. Chelsea called for him at the beginning of the summer transfer window. For Man United at the moment, the player looks too expensive despite all the links.”