Newcastle United get Alexander Isak transfer boost as Hugo Ekitike Liverpool bombshell emerges
Alexander Isak is set to stay at Newcastle United as Liverpool make a move for Hugo Ekitike.
Newcastle United have received a boost in their attempts to keep Alexander Isak - but it may result in missing out on Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool’s approach for Isak earlier this week was met with huge resistance by the Magpies, who insist the Swede is not for sale. The Athletic claims the Reds are willing to pay a British record £120million but United remain unmoved.
Following Callum Wilson’s departure, Newcastle have entered the market for a striker. Talks were held with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, but both players opted for a move to Chelsea.
That has seen the Magpies reignite their interest in Ekitike, three years on from when he twice snubbed a move to St James’ Park before joining Paris Saint-Germain.
A switch to Paris did not go to plan for Ekitike. After just one season, he was frozen out by manager Luis Enrique, resulting a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt in January last year, which was then made permanent for £15m the following summer.
And last season, the 23-year-old re-emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting strikers with 23 goals and 15 assists.
Liverpool ‘advancing’ on talks to sign Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle have been locked in discussions with Frankfurt and this week saw a club-record £69m bid rejected. Eddie Howe wants both Isak and Ekitike in his squad but Liverpool have moved to disrupt that ambition.
With the Magpies standing firm over Isak, Liverpool have turned their attention to Ekitike. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are now “advancing” in talks with Frankfurt and the player.
“Understand Liverpool are advancing today in club to club talks with Eintracht for Hugo Ekitike,” Romano wrote on X. “While Isak deal depends on final decision by Newcastle as they insist on not-for-sale stance… …Liverpool also progressing on both club and player side for Ekitike.”
Romano’s update comes after Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed Liverpool are ready to blow the Magpies with their offer. At the time of writing, Arne Slot’s side are yet to submit a formal offer.
Plettenberg wrote: “Liverpool have verbally indicated to Eintracht that they are ready to bid for Hugo #Ekitike and have made it clear to Frankfurt that they are prepared to pay more than Newcastle, as reported yesterday.
“As of this morning, there has still been no written offer from #LFC. However, there are new talks taking place today. Newcastle could not progress in negotiations with Eintracht yesterday. Eintracht feeling that Ekitike would like to join Liverpool.”
Eintracht Frankfurt set Hugo Ekitike valuation
It’s understood Frankfurt value Ekitike at £86m, a lofty price tag for a player who, despite his undoubtedly ability, has only enjoyed one prolific campaign in Europe.
Amid the transfer speculation, Ekitike is relaxed about his future, according to teammate Timothy Chandler.
Chandler told Bild: "He's going full throttle. You really have to say that. And he says: If something happens, then something happens – if not, then not. He's a very, very good boy. And I also know that even if he ends up staying here, he'll give it his all."