Liverpool to rival Newcastle for Bundesliga star as Isak pursuit stalls | OneFootball

Newcastle United may be forced into a familiar transfer battle this summer. And once again, Hugo Ekitike is right at the centre of it.

According to The Telegraph, Liverpool are now eyeing Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to Alexander Isak, having accepted that Newcastle are not willing to sell their star striker. The Reds are big admirers of Isak and remain ready to make a major offer – but they know it will likely be rejected.

That has led them to Ekitike, the French striker who Newcastle came close to signing back in 2022. Now playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike is back on our radar – and Liverpool are threatening to hijack any potential move.

Newcastle face fresh transfer battle with Liverpool over Ekitike

Ekitike has always been a name of interest at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth saw the former Reims striker as a top attacking prospect. But the move broke down at the final stages two years ago when Paris Saint-Germain entered the race and secured him on loan before a permanent deal.

Since then, things have changed. Ekitike’s time in Paris was underwhelming, but his move to Frankfurt has reignited his career. The Bundesliga side are demanding around £80m for him – a steep price, but one that hasn’t put Newcastle off just yet.

Now, with Isak not for sale and Liverpool moving on, Newcastle must act fast if they want to avoid losing Ekitike again. The 21-year-old could be the perfect long-term option to support and rotate with Isak, and possibly replace Callum Wilson in the coming seasons.

Newcastle transfer news – Liverpool interest complicates Ekitike pursuit

The Telegraph report adds that Liverpool know their chances of landing Isak are ‘slim to none’. Newcastle are adamant that the Sweden international will stay at the club, and rightly so. Isak is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and building around him is a key part of our project.

But it also means Newcastle will have to compete directly with the Premier League champions to get Ekitike. That makes this a transfer battle worth watching very closely. If the Magpies really want Ekitike, they must move quickly and decisively.