Newcastle’s Pursuit of Ekitike Indicators Ambition, However Questions RemainStriker Search Intensifies on Tyneside
Newcastle United’s ahead planning continues in earnest, with the membership rekindling their curiosity in French striker Hugo Ekitike as they seek for assist alongside Alexander Isak. With Callum Wilson departing and solely Denmark Underneath-21 worldwide William Osula providing cowl, Eddie Howe is aware of reinforcements are important.
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Having already missed out on Joao Pedro, who opted for Chelsea over Brighton and Newcastle, the Magpies are “nonetheless hoping to signal one other striker on this window.” studies that Ekitike is as soon as once more high of their record, a participant they’ve pursued earlier than, solely to lose out when he joined Paris St-Germain in 2022.
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Newcastle’s want is pushed not simply by squad steadiness but additionally the looming workload. Champions League soccer awaits, alongside the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, making rotation essential. “Newcastle can’t anticipate Isak to play in each sport and have to rotate their forwards.”
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Eddie Howe has good choices on the flanks. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes provide tempo and width on the left, whereas Jacob Murphy and £55 million signing Anthony Elanga will contest minutes on the suitable. Within the centre, nevertheless, it’s Isak or nothing.
Ekitike’s Profile and Earlier Pursuit
“Telegraph Sport revealed that Newcastle had been nonetheless monitoring Ekitike” in June and in the event that they pull off this transfer, it could possibly be a “main coup.” The 23-year-old striker excelled within the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, netting 22 targets with 12 assists final season and taking part in a key position in securing Champions League qualification.
After an underwhelming spell at PSG the place he failed to determine himself, Ekitike moved to Germany looking for first-team alternatives. It’s paid off, and his repute has bounced again.
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Nevertheless, Newcastle have been right here earlier than. “A deal was near being accomplished on each events” in 2022 earlier than Ekitike selected Paris. There can be warning within the boardroom this time.
Value Tag and Premier League Curiosity
Complicating issues is a reported €100 million (£86 million) launch clause. Newcastle would “virtually actually need to pay the complete price” to conclude any deal. With Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea additionally maintaining tabs, the Magpies should act decisively.
“Telegraph Sport understands Newcastle have made the participant’s representatives conscious of their need to signal the France Underneath-21 worldwide and can hope to agree a price with the Bundesliga membership.”
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Regardless of the chase for Ekitike, Newcastle stay agency on Isak’s future. “The Newcastle hierarchy nonetheless intend to supply final season’s high goalscorer a brand new contract later this summer season and have little interest in promoting him.”
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This could possibly be it. The ultimate piece of the jigsaw. Ekitike is not the uncooked expertise Newcastle chased in 2022. After a tricky stint at PSG, he’s matured and confirmed himself with Frankfurt. Twenty-two targets, twelve assists and Champions League qualification? That’s precisely the extent we want.
With Isak hopefully committing long-term, having each within the squad would enable Howe tactical flexibility. Play them collectively, rotate them, or unleash Ekitike from the bench. Both means, it will relieve the burden on Isak and provides us firepower for all fronts.
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Sure, the £86 million launch clause is steep, however we’re within the Champions League. These are the signings we want if we wish to be taken significantly. It’s a threat, certain, however one that would outline our European marketing campaign. Ekitike has already slipped by our fingers twice, it’s time to behave and make him a Newcastle participant ultimately.