It has now become clear why Newcastle United ended pursuit of Hugo Ekitike
Why Newcastle United Ended Their Pursuit of Hugo Ekitike – And Why Liverpool’s Deal Raises Eyebrows
A significant new update has shed light on the reasons behind Newcastle United’s decision to pull the plug on their pursuit of French forward Hugo Ekitike. The update comes via Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and the ever-reliable David Ornstein, reporting late Saturday night for The Athletic.
Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Newcastle had tabled a massive bid—said to be in the region of €80 million (£69.5 million)—for the 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker. That bid was ultimately turned down by the German club, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike about whether such a fee was ever truly justified based on Ekitike’s track record.
From a footballing perspective, Ekitike would have made a lot of sense for Newcastle. He could have slotted in as a dynamic second striker to partner Alexander Isak, while also serving as solid cover in a lone forward role when necessary. His profile—young, athletic, and technically gifted—fits the mold Newcastle have increasingly pursued under their current recruitment strategy.
But even for those keen on his potential, the reported £70m asking price raised eyebrows. For a player who has had only one truly standout season, the price felt excessive in today’s already inflated transfer market. That sentiment has only grown stronger with Liverpool now entering the fray.
According to The Athletic, an agreement is now “in place in principle” between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt for the transfer of Ekitike. While the deal isn’t fully finalized yet, both clubs expect completion in the coming days. More notably, The Athletic report that Eintracht Frankfurt anticipate this will set a new club record for a sale, even exceeding the €95 million (£82.3 million) they received for Randal Kolo Muani when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
That figure speaks volumes about Liverpool’s urgency and perhaps even desperation to secure a starting striker before the Premier League season kicks off in less than a month. Ekitike, to his credit, had a productive 2024/25 Bundesliga season, netting 15 goals. But beyond that, his output has been modest. Since his breakout with Stade de Reims in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 season, where he scored 10 league goals, Ekitike managed just seven league goals combined across the following two campaigns—divided between PSG and Frankfurt.
For Liverpool to reportedly shell out £85 million or more for a player with such inconsistent scoring records outside of one good Bundesliga season, many would argue, borders on reckless. Especially considering the Bundesliga, while competitive, does not match the week-in, week-out intensity and depth of the Premier League.
Interestingly, The Athletic also corrected earlier reports about Newcastle’s bid, clarifying that the Magpies had actually offered €75 million (£65 million) rather than the previously claimed €80 million. That valuation feels more in line with Ekitike’s current market value and performance history.
If Frankfurt do manage to close the Liverpool deal for around £85 million, they will have pulled off what many would consider a masterclass in negotiation—securing an additional £20 million above Newcastle’s offer for a striker with just one elite season under his belt.
With Ekitike now seemingly bound for Merseyside, Newcastle are being linked with other attacking targets—most notably Yoane Wissa of Brentford. And yet, some United supporters have responded negatively to the idea of Wissa joining the club, which is puzzling when you look at his recent form.
Yes, Wissa is five years older than Ekitike, and at 28, he falls outside the typical age range that Newcastle have targeted in recent windows. But dismissing him purely on age or because he plays for a so-called “unfashionable” club like Brentford ignores the numbers: Wissa scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season, more than any other striker who didn’t take penalties.
His work rate, positional intelligence, and finishing ability were all on full display throughout the campaign. If Newcastle were to sign him, not necessarily as a marquee addition but as someone who could rotate with or support Alexander Isak, it would significantly bolster their attacking options.
In the end, Newcastle’s decision to walk away from the Ekitike deal may prove a smart one—both financially and strategically. While the Frenchman still has immense potential, the price Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay simply doesn’t align with the current evidence of his career. And if Newcastle can pivot smartly—perhaps by bringing in a proven Premier League performer like Wissa—they may end up with a more reliable and cost-effective solution up front.