Newcastle’s curiosity in Hugo Ekitike dates again to not less than January 2022, when he rejected a transfer from Reims.
Newcastle tried once more that summer time however finally purchased Alexander Isak – and the query now’s what bringing in Ekitike would imply for the Magpies’ present membership report signing.
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Whereas sceptics would possibly view Ekitike as a alternative for the much-coveted Isak, it’s believed Newcastle plan to play them collectively – in addition to change between the 2 as they navigate a crowded fixture checklist following their return to the Champions League.
Isak performed 98% of his Premier League minutes final season as a striker, in any other case that includes on the left of a entrance three. His central position in Newcastle’s assault is definitely to not be messed with, given a return of 23 targets in 34 video games.
Nevertheless, an identical argument could possibly be made for Ekitike. He scored 15 league targets in 31 begins for Eintracht Frankfurt final season and performed as a striker 95% of the time, with simply 3% spent on the left wing.
Moreover, Newcastle are well-stocked in large areas with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and new £55m signing Anthony Elanga.
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Contact maps for each forwards reveal they share an inclination to get on the ball within the inside left channel, however with Ekitike roaming extra freely and a little bit deeper.
This maybe presents encouragement for believing they will play alongside one another, with Ekitite at instances dropping again to hyperlink with the midfielders. He’s a supplier in addition to a scorer, rating within the high 6% amongst forwards for creating possibilities in final season’s Bundesliga.
Ekitike additionally efficiently cast a strike partnership with Omar Marmoush earlier than the Egyptian was bought to in January.
Isak, as a extra orthodox quantity 9, performs a unique position to Marmoush however possesses an identical sport intelligence. In different phrases, he would adapt – however what about the remainder of the Newcastle aspect? Their midfield three is taken into account top-of-the-line within the Premier League however the crew construction would wish to alter if Ekitike and Isak have been to be paired in assault.