German media launch attack on 'unprofessional' Newcastle United for Hugo Ekitike saga
Newcastle United failed to sign Hugo Ekitike for a third time as he prepares to join Liverpool.
Newcastle United reportedly mishandled the Hugo Ekitike deal by failing to speak to the player before making Eintracht Frankfurt an offer.
In common practice, “tapping up” potential signings is usually frowned upon and can land clubs in legal hot water. However, in this case, the Bundesliga outfit are thought to have welcomed a direct Ekitike approach.
An unwillingness to waste time haggling over a fee without the Frenchman wanting to move was likely the reason. As it happened, Newcastle saw a bid rejected worth just shy of £70million before Liverpool landed their man.
Ekitike has undergone a medical at Anfield as Reds fans await confirmation on a deal that could rise to £80million. The Magpies changed tack - making a fresh approach for Yoane Wissa - after suffering their latest transfer setback.
German media attack Newcastle United
German media outlet Bild has claimed Newcastle either were not aware - or chose to ignore - this request. It is also reported that the Magpies never had a genuine chance of signing Ekitike.
This will only compound Newcastle’s misery after meeting Frankfurt representatives in Austria and Germany to try and negotiate a deal. Toon interest appeared to spring Liverpool into life and Ekitike soon headed to Merseyside.
The Magpies were stung by Ekitike twice in 2022 before he joined Paris Saint-Germain. He has led Newcastle along for a third time, with a Liverpool announcement imminent.
Eddie Howe on transfer failures
Eddie Howe, unsurprisingly, has been frustrated by Newcastle’s transfer failures this summer. He said at the weekend: “We’ve had a frustrating time in terms of losing targets to other clubs. I’d be very open with that. That’s happened on several occasions.
“In order for a transfer to really work, in my opinion, the player has to be desperate to come to your club. We’re seeking players who are good enough, who are desperate to come, and who can make the difference. They’re in short supply for us.
“We’re confident that we can try and get some more players in to strengthen the depth of the squad. We’re certainly aware that we need to and we’re trying as hard as we can to do that.”
Alan Shearer hopeful of more incomings
Toon icon Alan Shearer expressed concern at Newcastle’s lack of additions earlier this window but, speaking after Anthony Elanga’s arrival, backed more bodies to come through the door. He told The Rest Is Football podcast: “I said the other day I was a little bit concerned with the lack of activity coming out of Newcastle, but it looks as if things are starting to move.
“Because of Callum Wilson’s not renewing his contract, they are going to need another player in that forward position, but that’s (Elanga joining) a really good start (to the window), I think. I think they’ll get another three or four in.”