Liverpool transfer hijack confirmed as Newcastle United rival Nottingham Forest & Spurs for 20-goal forward
Liverpool are pressing ahead with a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike after Newcastle United walked from talks.
Newcastle United have walked away from talks to sign Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool now expected to finalise a deal.
Newcastle saw a £69million club-record bid rejected by Frankfurt on Tuesday. Plans to submit an improved offer have since been scuppered by Liverpool’s interest.
Liverpool first approached Newcastle regarding Isak, indicating that they would be selling to pay a British record £120million to sign the Swede. However, it was met with huge resistance from the Magpies, who insisted the player is not for sale.
Liverpool hijack Newcastle United’s move for Hugo Ekitike
As a result, the Reds have turned their attention to Ekitike. United have now pulled out of talks, paving the way for Arne Slot’s side.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “Understand Newcastle have now already left talks for Hugo Ekitike, deal considered off at this stage. #NUFC now focus on different targets as since Monday bid got rejected, Liverpool entered race + there were no advances with the Magpies. Liverpool are now advancing.”
He later added: “Liverpool have submitted official bid to Eintracht for Hugo Ekitike! Eintracht already informed Liverpool that they want more, proposal rejected but it was initial contact as talks continue. Ekitike said 𝐲𝐞𝐬 Liverpool, no issues on personal terms. He wants #LFC.”
The Magpies have missed out on Ekitike for a third time after he twice snubbed a move to St James’ Park in 2022 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 in 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. But this is no major blow to Eddie Howe’s side, with Isak set to stay at the club.
Newcastle United explore move for Brentford star Yoane Wissa
Newcastle remain in the market for a striker after Callum Wilson’s departure and are now exploring a move for Brentford star Yoane Wissa, as broken by The Athletic.
Nottingham Forest last week had a bid rejected for Wissa, whose valuation is thought to be double the £25m Forest also tabled for the forward in January.
After losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur, Christian Norgaard to Arsenal and Bryan Mbeumo in talks to join Manchester United, the Bees have little desire to lose Wissa too.
The 29-year-old Congo international, who scored 19 goals and registered five assists last season, is out of contract next June, though Brentford have an option to extend until 2027.
Spurs too are said to be weighing up an offer for Wissa in a move that would see him quickly reunite with former boss Frank.