Goldbridge: Liverpool take control in heated transfer tug-of-war | OneFootball

Liverpool Enter Ekitike Deal Race as Power Struggle with Newcastle Intensifies

Liverpool turn up heat in Ekitike pursuit

Speaking on the That’s Football Podcast, Mark Goldbridge dissected the growing tension between Liverpool and Newcastle over Hugo Ekitike. As transfer speculation intensifies, both clubs appear locked in a power struggle that could shape the remainder of their windows.

“It’s properly going off,” said Goldbridge, as he opened the show. “Liverpool and Newcastle in this transfer race for Hugo Ekitike.”

According to Goldbridge, Liverpool’s interest has been longstanding, but their involvement has only just escalated into something more concrete.

“From Liverpool’s point of view, they have entered the race now. Yesterday. They are in for Ekitike,” he confirmed, before explaining the Merseyside club’s dual-track approach. “They are basically saying, ‘Look, we want Alexander Isak on a record bid, but if that’s not going to happen, we want Ekitike.’ And we’ve had interest in him all summer and now talks are starting.”

Photo: IMAGO

That comment alone positions Liverpool as no mere spectators in this deal. They’re not just monitoring developments, they’re actively shaping them.

Questions raised over Newcastle’s spending power

Goldbridge offered his take on Newcastle’s capacity to financially sustain a deal for Ekitike, especially with their current squad depth.

“From Newcastle’s point of view, the money they’re going to pay Eintracht Frankfurt, that surely, their financial situation doesn’t make that comfortable at all,” he remarked. “Retaining everybody they’re retaining and then bringing in that.”

The uncertainty casts doubt over Newcastle’s ability to close the deal, particularly in the face of Liverpool’s financial muscle. Goldbridge added, “I just don’t know how much money Newcastle have got to spend.”

He also questioned the long-term strategy at St James’ Park, suggesting the Magpies could be forced to part ways with a big asset to land Ekitike. “Logically you’d sign Ekitike then sell Isak,” he speculated, before concluding that a more probable outcome could see Ekitike head to Liverpool and Newcastle keep hold of Isak.

Goldbridge backs Liverpool as frontrunners

For Goldbridge, the direction of travel feels increasingly clear.

“I think ultimately, I would say Liverpool are in control because they’ll get one or the other. I can’t see Newcastle getting both,” he stated.

He acknowledged reports that Ekitike favours Newcastle, “Ekitike is said to be very close to Newcastle”, but quickly added a crucial caveat. “That was probably before Liverpool entered the race.”

Photo IMAGO

And that shift could be decisive. “Ultimately, I think for your career, you choose Liverpool over Newcastle and I think he will do that,” Goldbridge concluded.

It’s a telling endorsement from someone known for calling out transfer hype. The suggestion that Liverpool’s project offers a more appealing long-term vision is in itself an indictment of Newcastle’s uncertainty.

Decision day looms in unpredictable saga

As for how soon clarity will arrive, Goldbridge believes the key stakeholders must soon lay their cards on the table.

“It’s going to be decision day today really,” he insisted. “Because Ekitike is going to have to lean towards what’s going on, or Newcastle are going to have to define.”

Whether it’s Ekitike choosing Liverpool or Newcastle deciding to sell Isak, one move seems to rely on the other. “If Ekitike makes the decision, does he today go ‘I want to go to Liverpool’ and Liverpool sign him, or do Newcastle then go, ‘OK, we’ll sell you Isak?’” asked Goldbridge.

There’s no clarity yet, only conjecture, but Goldbridge is adamant something will give soon. “Somebody’s got to play their hand soon,” he said, although he admitted, “I can’t really predict it to be honest.”

Still, the one certainty in this deal is that Liverpool now hold a strong hand. Whether it’s Ekitike or Isak, they look set to end up with a striker.