With the Premier League season just around the corner, Newcastle United are wasting no time making serious moves in the transfer market.
One name that has re-emerged on their radar is French striker Hugo Ekitike, and this time, the Magpies are going all in.
Eyeing a Potential Club-Record Deal
Newcastle have reopened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential deal for the 23-year-old striker.
The German club are holding out for a hefty £86 million, but Newcastle’s current offer sits closer to £65 million — still a big sum, but some way off Frankfurt’s asking price.
If the deal goes through, it would smash Newcastle’s current transfer record — the £63 million they paid for Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.
Missed Out on Joao Pedro, Now All Eyes on Ekitike
Newcastle’s renewed interest in Ekitike comes after losing out on another major attacking target, Joao Pedro, who chose a move to Chelsea.
That setback has pushed the club to go harder for Ekitike, with fresh negotiations taking place in Austria on Monday.
That’s where Eddie Howe and his squad are currently based for their pre-season training camp.
Isak Staying Put — For Now?
While other clubs, including Liverpool, are keeping tabs on Isak, Newcastle are hopeful they can hang on to the Swedish striker for at least another season.
The plan would be for Ekitike and Isak to form a powerful partnership up front — a tantalising prospect for fans.
Ekitike’s Journey: From PSG to Bundesliga Stardom
Ekitike has long been on Newcastle’s wish list.
Their interest goes back to 2022, when he was still at Paris Saint-Germain.
After moving to Frankfurt in February 2024, he has found solid footing, scoring 26 goals in 64 matches.
While at PSG, he managed just four goals in 33 games, but still picked up two Ligue 1 titles.
This past season, his standout performances earned him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, which only boosted his market value.
Competition in the Market Heats Up
Newcastle aren’t the only ones sniffing around.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have shown interest in the French forward, while Manchester United are said to be keeping a quiet eye on developments.
Still, with the Magpies ramping up talks and pushing hard behind the scenes, they may just be leading the race.
Countdown to the New Season
With the Premier League kickoff on August 16, where Newcastle are set to face Aston Villa away, the pressure is on to get reinforcements in early.
A signing like Ekitike would certainly send a strong message about the club’s ambitions for the 2025/26 season.