Newcastle United have been trying to bring in a new striker since the beginning of the summer. Hugo Ekitike was identified as the primary target for the role, and the club launched a club-record bid of £70 million to secure the player. But to their disbelief, Eintracht Frankfurt rejected the offer.
This is the third instance Newcastle have tried but failed to bring in the player, and fans will certainly feel disappointed. To make matters worse, it looks like Ekitike has already decided his next destination and it’s not St James’ Park.
Fabrizio Romano recently posted on X, stating that Ekitike has made it clear to Frankfurt that he wants a move to Liverpool, and contract terms have already been discussed. He further wrote that Liverpool are continuing negotiations after their first bid was rejected.
Hugo Ekitike snubs Newcastle and wants to join Liverpool instead
Liverpool have already reached a personal agreement with Ekitike, and club-level talks are underway. Meanwhile, Newcastle have already pulled out of the race for the player.
Notably, Liverpool are also trying to move Alexander Isak out of Newcastle. However, with Ekitike seemingly out of reach, the Magpies will have to hold onto the Swedish attacker. Failing to do so will raise a lot of questions for the club to answer. Newcastle have already lost one forward in the form of Callum Wilson, who left for free recently after his contract expired and can’t afford to lose another.
As for a new striker who could play alongside Isak in the upcoming season, Newcastle will have to find an alternative. The Magpies have previously been linked with players like Benjamin Sesko, Yoane Wissa, and most recently with Real Madrid youngster Endrick for the role. It remains to be seen which player Newcastle are going to target next after this major setback.