EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle rekindle Hugo Ekitike interest amid Isak concern

Cameron Smith

18 Feb 2025 20:00 GMT
4 min read

Newcastle United will rekindle their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike if Alexander Isak leaves the club this summer, FootballTransfers understands.

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Ekitike was close to joining Newcastle during his time at Stade Reims, but the Magpies were unable to finalise a deal with the player and he opted to join Paris Saint-Germain instead.

However, Eddie Howe’s side remain interested in the 22-year-old and we have now been informed that a move could take place this summer if Newcastle are forced to sell Isak.

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The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal over the past few months, amid Mikel Arteta’s desire to sign a new centre forward, while Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been touted as potential destinations for the 25-year-old.

If Isak does leave St James’ Park this year, Newcastle will pursue a move for Ekitike as his replacement.

The Frenchman has scored 17 goals and provided six assists in 32 appearances across all competitions since his move to Eintracht Frankfurt was made permanent for €16.5m in July, and he is viewed as a player capable of succeeding Isak if he does depart.

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© IMAGO - Alexander Isak is wanted by a number of top Premier League clubs

Ekitike’s current Eintracht Frankfurt contract runs until 2029, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at a career high of €41.2m.

In addition to Newcastle, Ekitike has also previously been linked with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham United, and he is likely to be involved in a transfer tug-of-war when the 2025 summer window opens.

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak

Although Newcastle are lining up a move for Ekitike if Isak is sold, the club are hoping to retain the Sweden star for at least another year.

Ahead of his side’s defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Howe was eager to heap praise on his star striker amid significant links with Arsenal.

“I love working with Alex and I wouldn’t swap him for anyone,” the Newcastle boss admitted. “We’ve tried to help him by moulding our style of play to suit his game. I really respect Erling [Haaland] and what he’s done in his career is unbelievable, but we really love Alex.

“I don’t think you can compare Alex to anyone,” Howe added. “Alex is very, very different to any other striker I’ve seen or worked with.

Current ETV

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

ETV Range

€69M - €84.3M

“He does things that aren’t like your traditional centre-forward. He’s almost a winger combined into a striker’s mentality because his footwork and dribbling ability is so good.

“That’s almost winger-like and then you put him into the middle of the pitch and, with his pace and technical ability and exceptional finishing, he’s sort of got the whole package linked into one. He’s very unique and I’d encourage him to stay that way.”