‘I wanted’ – Ekitike shares whether he was ever going to sign for Newcastle this summer
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Newcastle United shared positive signs towards signing striker Hugo Ekitike during the summer transfer window, continuing their search to bolster the attacking line alongside star forward Alexander Isak. Although Ekitike had been a prime target for Newcastle, negotiations became complicated due to his high transfer fee demands and competition from other Premier League clubs, notably Liverpool and Chelsea.
Initially, Newcastle's pursuit of Ekitike faced difficulties with Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly demanding around £77-85 million, a figure that would exceed Newcastle’s previous transfer record and stretch their budget. The club had hoped to sign him as a striking partner without selling Isak, but high valuation put pressure on their negotiations. Ekitike's impressive form, highlighted by 21+ goals and notable assists in the prior season, attracted multiple suitors, raising the competition for his signing.
Ultimately, the transfer did not materialize for Newcastle. Liverpool hijacked the move late in the window, despite Newcastle having agreed on terms with Frankfurt and the player’s representatives. Ekitike chose Liverpool over Newcastle, a decision confirmed by his agent Ali Barat. This left Newcastle to end their interest and led them to explore other striker options, such as moving focus towards Yoane Wissa after missing out on Joao Pedro earlier in the summer.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe remains intent on strengthening the squad but will need to balance investment carefully after spending on other reinforcements such as Anthony Elanga. The club’s ambition to build a strong forward partnership remains, but with Ekitike signing for Liverpool, Newcastle's summer transfer window concluded without the sought-after striker.
Despite missing out, Ekitike’s potential in the Premier League has already started to show at Liverpool, while Newcastle continues efforts to find a complementary attacker to Isak heading into the new season.
PP