Newcastle push forward with major target after Liverpool move rejected | OneFootball

Newcastle and Liverpool Clash over Ekitike as Isak Saga Intensifies

Tensions rise over transfer targets

Newcastle United and Liverpool are engaged in a transfer standoff with Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak at the centre of a tactical tug-of-war. The Telegraph reports that the North East club are advancing talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of Ekitike, even as Liverpool ramp up interest in both players.

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Newcastle’s opening bid of £65 million for Ekitike has been rejected, but further talks are expected, with the club confident of returning with an improved offer. Their interest in Ekitike dates back some time and has been reactivated with purpose, especially in light of Liverpool’s apparent attempt to prise away Isak.

Liverpool, for their part, have yet to submit a formal bid for Ekitike, but have made contact with Frankfurt and made clear their admiration for the 23-year-old. The Reds’ pursuit of Isak has been viewed with suspicion in Newcastle’s corridors of power.

Newcastle officials are said to be untroubled by what they view as an overt attempt to unsettle Isak, particularly following reports that Liverpool are willing to pay £120 million for the Swedish forward.

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Saudi ownership unmoved by outside pressure

This situation has not been helped by tensions at ownership level. With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in control at St James’ Park, any notion that Newcastle could be strong-armed by a Premier League rival has been dismissed.

According to The Telegraph, “one of the threats made by Liverpool was they would hijack their move for Ekitike if they refused to sell Isak to them.” Newcastle, rather than retreat, have doubled down, using the opportunity to demonstrate ambition.

The stance from St James’ Park is unambiguous. Isak is not for sale. And rather than spend energy in public rebuttals, Newcastle are pushing forward. Talks for Ekitike have intensified and the intention is now clear: sign him, not as a replacement, but as reinforcement.

Tactical cover and competition for Howe’s forward line

Manager Eddie Howe is eyeing Ekitike as a versatile addition who can offer cover and competition. With Champions League football on the calendar alongside domestic campaigns, depth in forward areas will be crucial.

“Newcastle launched their bid for Ekitike over the weekend and it was with the intention to sign him as both competition and cover for Isak,” The Telegraph confirms. Ekitike’s ability to play wide offers an added layer of tactical flexibility.

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This approach, far from reactive, suggests long-term planning. Ekitike has been on the radar for some time, and while the noise surrounding Isak will continue, the message from Newcastle is one of defiance, not distress.

Uncertainty lingers over Isak’s stance

What remains unclear is Isak’s own position. Liverpool’s interest, even if unofficial, rarely surfaces without some form of encouragement. Yet “as things stand, Isak has not told anyone at Newcastle that he wants to leave.”

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Liverpool may not back off easily, but Newcastle’s posture is firm. “This stance is shared by all the main power brokers at St James’ Park,” says The Telegraph.

Liverpool’s next move will be watched closely, but in launching their push for Ekitike, Newcastle have shown they will not be dictated to. Whether that power play delivers the Frenchman or merely serves to defend their own, it underlines a club unwilling to be nudged off course.

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It’s reassuring to see Newcastle standing its ground. Too often in the past, they’ve been passive observers in the transfer window. Now, they are being proactive and bold. The idea that they’re not only resisting a bid for Isak but also trying to sign Ekitike shows ambition. But there’s a deeper concern here.

If Liverpool are genuinely circling and believe Isak is attainable, it makes you wonder what’s happening behind closed doors. Clubs like them don’t leak interest unless there’s a signal from somewhere. Has Isak’s camp said something? Would he actually push for a move?

The rumoured threat that Liverpool would hijack Newcastle’s move for Ekitike unless they sell Isak is particularly frustrating for Newcastle fans. It feels like playground tactics. The supporters will hope the owners stick to their stance and don’t buckle under pressure.

Ultimately, the club must hold firm, back Eddie Howe, and keep their best players. Losing Isak now would be a huge blow. Signing Ekitike would help, but the message must be clear: Newcastle are no longer a stepping stone.