Better fit than Ekitike: Newcastle lead race to sign £44m Wissa alternative

After missing out on their long-term target, Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United will be seeking alternative options in the transfer window this summer.

The Magpies had been keen to bring in the Eintracht Frankfurt forward this summer, with the Frenchman seen as a perfect addition to their attacking ranks.However, Liverpool hijacked that move and are now expected to sign the 23-year-old in a deal that could end up being worth a fixed fee of £69m.

The Reds had earlier tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £120m approach for Alexander Isak, which was firmly rejected.Newcastle looking to sign Ekitike alternative

In response, Newcastle have turned their attention to Yoane Wissa of Brentford with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealing a bid of £25m bid has been turned down. The Toon are set to return with a £30m plus add-ons offer.

As an alternative, they could Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus.

Speaking on the Football Transfers Podcast, reporter Duncan Castles noted: “Newcastle United are involved in the conversation, and I think at present it looks like they are the most likely destination for Kolo Muani.”It is further reported that PSG are demanding €50m (£44m) for the 25-year-old forward, and while Juventus would like to make the deal permanent, they have so far failed to meet the asking price.This has opened the door for Newcastle.How Kolo Muani compares to Hugo EkitikeOn paper, Kolo Muani and Ekitike seem like-for-like replacements: young, French forwards who briefly battled for minutes under Christophe Galtier at PSG.However, their contrasting styles offer very different strengths, and that could explain Newcastle’s pivot.

Kolo Muani is all about directness. He excels at running in behind, attacking space, and finishing with composure.

His efficiency stands out, netting 14 goals from an xG of 11.2, and he managed a shot-on-target percentage of 44.6%, better than Ekitike’s 39.7%.

While he played fewer minutes than Ekitike last season, he was a sharp presence whenever on the pitchIn contrast, Ekitike brings more creativity and finesse to the forward line.

He scored 22 goals from an xG of 24.6 but also contributed heavily in build-up play: 17.2 completed passes per 90 to Muani’s 11.7, and a progressive passing distance of 43.2 metres per 90 – far higher than Muani’s 27.5.

Ekitike also posted better numbers in shot-creating actions (3.49 vs. 2.31), take-ons (1.89 vs. 1.51), and touches in the attacking third (20.6 vs. 16.0).Ekitike is the more technical, playmaking forward, while Kolo Muani is the more explosive, goal-focused attacker.

That difference is crucial when viewed through the lens of Newcastle’s style under Eddie Howe.

Indeed, Newcastle thrive on pace, power, and transitions. They often look to release wide players like Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy quickly and create space centrally through dynamic runs.

Kolo Muani fits that system well. His instinctive movement and clinical edge offer a natural complement, or even alternative, to Isak, rather than a direct copy.The aforementioned Castles noted the stylistic overlap with Isak, saying: “This makes you wonder what is happening with Isak because of his similarities to Kolo Muani as a player.”

While Newcastle insist Isak is not for sale, the interest in Muani suggests Howe may be looking for someone who can either ease the burden on his No. 14, or perhaps even compete with him directly.

Crucially, Kolo Muani may also be more attainable. At £44m, he is significantly cheaper than EkitikeHe would arrive off the back of a strong season at Juventus, described as “absolutely incredible” by analyst Zach Lowry, and has already shown he can adapt to different systems and leagues.

Losing out on Ekitike may sting, but in Kolo Muani, Newcastle could be securing a forward who’s not only more affordable but arguably better suited to their tactical needs.

He may not be a like-for-like replacement, but he might be exactly the kind of signing that keeps Newcastle’s momentum rolling.