Newcastle are reportedly in talks over a club record deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, but what will their lineup look like with the French marksman?
Newcastle In Talks Over Club Record Deal For Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike
According to reports, Newcastle have stepped up their interest in Hugo Ekitike.
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been a long-term target for the Magpies but has also drawn interest from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal in the past.
It is understood that Tyneside chiefs have held meetings in Germany with Frankfurt over the past week, while they have also met with Ekitike’s representatives in Austria.
Sky Germany report that Newcastle’s initial bid for the 23-year-old, believed to be around ÂŁ70m, has been rejected by the Bundesliga outfit, mainly due to the payment terms.
Additionally, there are other clubs who have indicated that they are ready to pay more than the Magpies’ current bid. Die Adler value the former PSG man at around ÂŁ86m.
đšâ«ïžâȘïž EXCL | Eintracht Frankfurt are understood to have rejected a written offer from Newcastle this morning worth âŹ80 million, mainly due to the payment terms. #NUFC
⊠and Markus Krösche wants more. There are clubs who have already signalled they would be willing to pay⊠pic.twitter.com/Ja4TvSB2Iy
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 15, 2025
Despite their first approach being rebuffed, Newcastle are expected to return with a second bid.
Their interest in Ekitike has also raised questions over the future of Alexander Isak. Liverpool hold a long-standing interest in the Swede and have been heavily linked throughout the window.
However, it is reported that Eddie Howe wants Ekitike to play alongside their star forward.
Others are sceptical, with some claiming that a move for the France U21 international may be a bit of ‘succession planning’ in case Isak departs this summer or at the end of next season.
Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, reports that Liverpool have made an approach for Isak. He claims that if the 25-year-old is unavailable, they will challenge Newcastle in the race for Ekitike.
If the Magpies are able to strike a deal for Ekitike, he will take their Premier League transfers tally to three incomings. They have already landed Antonio Cordero and Anthony Elanga.
How Will Newcastle Line Up With Hugo Ekitike?
Howe has primarily opted for a 4-3-3 formation throughout his tenure at St. James’ Park, but with Ekitike potentially joining Isak up front, could the Englishman change his approach?
Of course, Isak also has the ability to play on the left wing, so that may be an option. That scenario would likely see England international Anthony Gordon drop to the bench, though.
Another option is that Howe switches to a 4-4-2 formation. This would allow Ekitike and Isak to play alongside one another and would also mean that Gordon and Elanga are be able to start on either flank.
However, this scenario would likely see Joelinton drop to the bench, with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes keeping their spots in midfield. With that said, it’s hard to envisage this happening given how key Joelinton has been to their success in recent seasons.
Below are the three likeliest ways we can see Newcastle lining up with Ekitike next term, both with the highly sought-after Isak and without.
With Alexander Isak:
Potential Newcastle Starting XI with Ekitike (4-3-3):Â Pope; Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Ekitike, Isak
Potential Newcastle Starting XI with Ekitike (4-4-2):Â Pope; Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Elanga, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon; Ekitike, Isak
Without Alexander Isak:
Potential Newcastle Starting XI with Ekitike (4-3-3):Â Pope; Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Ekitike, Gordon
It looks as though Newcastle are still some way from reaching an agreement for Ekitike, but given their discussions with Frankfurt and his representatives, early signs are encouraging.
If they are able to retain Isak and sign Ekitike, Howe would boast some incredible depth in the striking department. This could prove crucial for the upcoming Champions League campaign.
At the time of writing, they are rated at 25/1 to win Europe’s premier club football competition.
As for the Premier League, the Magpies are seen as the fifth favourites for the title. The best football betting sites in the UK have them at around 28/1 to be crowned champions.
