Journalist: Newcastle outpace Liverpool in race for Frankfurt striker | OneFootball

Newcastle Close In on Ekitike as Liverpool’s Transfer Stance Faces Scrutiny

Newcastle Lead Ekitike Chase

Liverpool look set to lose ground in the race for highly-rated French striker Hugo Ekitike, with Newcastle United now firmly in the driving seat. The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt, registering 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, playing a key role in securing Champions League qualification.

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According to Julien Laurens, Newcastle are prepared to pay around €80 million to bring Ekitike to St James’ Park, with super agent Ali Barat reportedly in the North East to finalise terms. “Super agent Ali Barat is currently in Newcastle to finalise the Hugo Ekitike deal,” Laurens wrote on X. “Around 80m euros for the French striker from Frankfurt who had a great last season in the Bundesliga.”

That figure was corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed a formal bid of €70 million has already been submitted. While Liverpool were previously linked with a move for Ekitike, reports suggest their activity is contingent on the potential departure of Darwin Nunez.

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Liverpool’s Cautious Approach

It is understood that Liverpool’s hierarchy are not currently advancing a bid for Ekitike while Nunez remains on the books. That strategy, while financially prudent, may cost them the chance to sign a striker whose stock is rising rapidly across Europe.

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Newcastle’s strategy is notably more aggressive. Rather than planning for a direct replacement, Eddie Howe’s side reportedly want to pair Ekitike with Alexander Isak. According to The Telegraph, Newcastle “cannot expect Isak to play in every game and need to rotate their forwards”, especially with Champions League football on the horizon.

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Other Striker Options Still Open

While Ekitike could be seen as a missed opportunity, Liverpool are not short on attacking options. However, with Nunez’s future uncertain and the club looking to remain competitive in all four competitions next season, missing out on Ekitike may prompt a reassessment of their attacking priorities.

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It is hard not to feel a pang of frustration watching another exciting talent like Hugo Ekitike seemingly slip through the net. His numbers last season were elite, and at 23, he looks like a forward who could light up the Premier League.

The idea of pairing him with Isak at Newcastle only adds to the sense that the Magpies are building something dangerous. Liverpool’s reluctance to act without first moving Nunez makes sense in terms of squad balance and financial control, but the risk is clear. Waiting too long in a hyper-competitive market often means losing your primary targets.

That said, there is still belief in the fanbase around Arne Slot’s project. His eye for detail and system-based approach might mean the club are targeting a profile better suited to his ideas. But Ekitike felt like a fit, mobile, clinical, creative. It’s a disappointment, no doubt, but not a disaster.

If Liverpool miss out on him, the expectation now is that the club will pivot quickly. The fans are watching. They understand patience, but they also know when decisiveness is required.