Dennis Ndlovu
Sports Reporter
Liverpool have redirected their striker hunt to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike after Newcastle United firmly ruled out selling Alexander Isak during the current transfer window.
Despite tracking Isak for months, the Premier League champions never tabled a formal bid, as Newcastle priced the Swedish international at £150 million, effectively shutting down any negotiations.
Now with Isak out of reach, Liverpool are poised to challenge Newcastle for Ekitike’s signature. The French forward enjoyed a prolific 2023/24 season, netting 22 goals in 48 matches and guiding Frankfurt to Champions League qualification.
Ekitike, 23, has also caught the attention of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal, although the latter appear focused on securing Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Newcastle renewed their interest in Ekitike this week, submitting a £70 million bid—reportedly the club’s highest-ever offer—but Sky Sports News reported that Frankfurt rejected it, insisting on a minimum of £85 million.
Negotiations between Newcastle and the player’s camp resumed in Austria on Monday, with the Magpies aiming to build a strike partnership between Ekitike and Isak, rather than replace their star striker.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike began earlier in April, when reports emerged that the club had initiated contact with the player’s representatives.
Seen as a suitable option for Arne Slot’s attacking blueprint, Ekitike offers flexibility, vision, and technical quality across the front three—attributes Liverpool see as key to enhancing their offensive depth.
Frankfurt’s acquisition of Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz has only added to speculation that Ekitike’s departure may be imminent.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have already shelled out £55 million for winger Anthony Elanga, while Liverpool continue to evaluate the futures of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz—who recently turned down a €67.5 million bid from Bayern Munich.
With Frankfurt standing firm on their asking price and competition from elite clubs intensifying, the pursuit of Ekitike is shaping up to be one of the transfer window’s fiercest battles.
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