Newcastle United have finally got going in this summer’s transfer window. They kicked things off by signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for about £55 million.
It’s a solid start, but what’s got fans buzzing now is the next name on their radar, Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The pressure’s on, not just because the striker’s going to cost a lot, but also because two other big Premier League clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea are keeping close tabs on the situation.
Word from Germany is that Newcastle had a huge £70 million bid turned down earlier this week. That offer would’ve been a club record, but Frankfurt believe the 23-year-old is worth more. Some sources say it’ll take closer to £85 million to make them budge.
Time isn’t on Newcastle’s side either. Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are still thinking about whether to go back in with a better offer, but they know they’re not the only ones in the race. If they wait too long, they risk losing him to one of the other two.
Liverpool Watching Closely, but It Depends on Isak
Liverpool’s main focus right now is Alexander Isak. They’ve apparently told Newcastle they’re willing to pay around £120 million for him, which would smash their current transfer record. But Newcastle have made it clear they don’t want to sell.
Fabrizio Romano explained the situation clearly when he said:
“Liverpool have told Newcastle that they’re ready to offer £120m [€138m] for Isak. It’s a record fee. I’m told the player has not closed the door to Liverpool. He’s still in talks with Newcastle over a new contract, but he didn’t stop Liverpool. It’s in Newcastle’s hands.”
So if Newcastle stand firm and don’t sell Isak, Liverpool will likely turn their attention to Ekitike. Romano also added:
“If Liverpool can’t convince Newcastle to sell Isak, they’ll turn to Hugo Ekitike. Newcastle already had a bid rejected, so it’s clear they’re serious. But now Liverpool are ready to join that race.”
It’s one of those domino situations if one move doesn’t happen, the next one will. Liverpool definitely want a striker this summer, and if they can’t land Isak, Ekitike is next in line. But they won’t wait forever.
Chelsea Quietly Lurking in the Background
Chelsea haven’t made as much noise as Liverpool in this race, but that doesn’t mean they’re not preparing something behind the scenes.
GiveMeSport’s report that Newcastle are starting to get a bit nervous, they know if they don’t move quick, Chelsea might jump in and get the deal done.
Chelsea are still trying to sort out what they actually want to do. People have been talking a lot about Nicolas Jackson. He had his moments last season but let’s be honest, the club still doesn’t seem fully convinced he’s the guy to lead the line.
That’s why Hugo Ekitike is now being looked at. He’s got the height, he’s quick, and he moves well off the ball the kind of traits Chelsea want. He also had a decent season at Frankfurt, so he’s not coming in cold.
From what people around the deal are saying, Chelsea have already shown interest and could make a move soon.
But they can’t wait forever. Liverpool are also in the picture and have been speaking with both Frankfurt and Newcastle. So if Chelsea really want him, they need to act before it’s too late.
Frankfurt Holding Firm
Eintracht Frankfurt are in no rush to sell. They’ve already knocked back Newcastle’s first offer and have made it clear they’ll only let Ekitike go if someone pays what they think he’s worth.
The club’s in a solid position. Ekitike just had a great season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions, and they don’t have to sell unless the right bid comes in.
One Frankfurt insider reportedly told Bild that the club is “expecting more offers soon,” but they’re “prepared to keep the player unless their valuation is met.”
So right now, the pressure’s all on the Premier League clubs. Frankfurt are sitting tight and waiting to see who’s willing to step up.
What Ekitike Wants
From the player’s side, Ekitike is in a good spot. Things didn’t work out for him at PSG, but he’s rebuilt his career in Germany and shown he can lead the line for a big team.
He’s 6'3", quick, mobile, and knows how to find the net basically everything a Premier League club wants from a striker.
Report close to Frankfurt suggest Ekitike’s aware that clubs in England are interested. He’s not in rush to leave, but if the right offer comes in, he’s ready for it. For now, he’s just waiting to see how things go.
If he ends up at Newcastle, he’ll likely be used in rotation or maybe as a partner for Isak. If he goes to Liverpool, he might replace Darwin Nunez, who could leave. At Chelsea, with Jackson under pressure, Ekitike could end up leading the front line if he joins.
He hasn’t said anything yet, but those close to him are watching everything. If talks start to move fast, he’ll be yready to make a decision.
What This All Really Means
This isn’t just a tug-of-war over one striker, it’s a look at how competitive the Premier dLeague is getting, especially among clubs trying to take that next step.
For Newcastle, this deal is about more than just signing a good player. It’s about showing ambition.
A signing like this isn’t just about making the team better. It sends a message to players like Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon that the club’s serious and actually wants to win things.
Eddie Howe already lost out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea earlier this summer. Missing out on another top target, especially to a rival you’ve already put a bid in for, would seriously hurt.
As for Liverpool, they’re still trying to sort things out after Klopp era. They’ve added some players already, but let’s be real they still lack a consistent goal scorer. Isak is their top pick, but Ekitike is a solid backup plan.
They’ve moved quickly in other areas this summer so if Newcastle don’t give them the green light for Isak, they’ll be all over Ekitike.
Then there’s Chelsea. They haven’t made a move yet, but they’re known for striking late in deals. If Newcastle or Liverpool start hesitating, Chelsea will probably dive in. They’ve pulled that move before.
As for Frankfurt, they’re playing it smart. They’ve got a valuable player and they’re not under pressure to sell. They’re happy to let the bidding war play out and cash in when the moment’s right.
And Ekitike? He’s got a big call to make. This could be the move that defines the next five years of his career. Does he go to a steady project like Newcastle, take a gamble with Chelsea, or join a reshaping Liverpool? He’s in demand and he knows it.
How It’s All Shaping Up
Fabrizio Romano summed it up best when he said:
“Liverpool have told Newcastle that they’re ready to offer £120m for Isak… I’m told the player has not closed the door to Liverpool. It’s in Newcastle’s hands.”
That line “it’s in Newcastle’s hands” pretty much says it all. Liverpool are ready. Ekitike is ready. But Newcastle have to act fast about the deal, and they don't have much time to waste.
Romano also said:
“If Liverpool can’t convince Newcastle to sell Isak, the Reds will move on Ekitike… Newcastle already had a bid rejected… It’s clear all three clubs are active.”
Then there’s the Chelsea angle. Reports from GiveMeSport say Newcastle are genuinely worried Chelsea could pull off a late hijack. A source close to the club said:
“They’re weighing up whether to go back with a new bid but they can’t wait too long. The risk is that someone else gets there first.”
Wanderlustsport Verdict
This is turning into one of those classic summer transfer stories that starts off quiet and suddenly becomes a full-blown scramble.
Newcastle got the ball rolling, but now they’re in a tight race with two of the biggest clubs in the league. Liverpool are moving fast. Chelsea are hovering, waiting for their chance. And Frankfurt are just sitting back, knowing they’ve got all the leverage.
And in the middle of it all is Hugo Ekitike, watching it unfold and waiting for one of these clubs to show they’re serious. Whoever moves first and gets it right could land a striker with huge potential.