Newcastle's Audacious Bid for a New Star
Newcastle United is reportedly on the verge of shattering its transfer record with a significant move for Eintracht Frankfurt's standout striker, Hugo Ekitike. The latest transfer news indicates that talks are at an advanced stage, with the Tyneside club stepping up its long-standing interest in the French forward.
The Transfer Details: A Club Record in the Making
Negotiations have centered on what would be a record-breaking offer for the 23-year-old. Here is the latest Transfer News: Hugo Ekitike date and time and details:
- The Offer: Newcastle lodged a formal bid reported to be around £70 million (€80 million). However, Eintracht Frankfurt rejected this initial offer, as they value the striker closer to £85 million.
- Talks Ongoing: Despite the initial setback, discussions are progressing. Ekitike's agent, Ali Barat, is reportedly in Newcastle to finalize the remaining details of the potential transfer.
- Personal Terms: Sources have indicated that personal terms have been agreed upon for a five-year contract, with the player ready for a medical examination.
This move would eclipse the £63 million (€70 million) Newcastle paid for Alexander Isak in 2022, marking a new era of ambition for the club.
Why Ekitike is Newcastle's Top Target
Manager Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his attacking options and sees Ekitike as the perfect partner for current star striker Alexander Isak, not a replacement. Following the departure of Callum Wilson, Newcastle identified the need for a new number 9, and Ekitike has emerged as their primary target.
The interest is well-founded. Ekitike had a phenomenal 2024-25 season in Germany, where he scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt. His performance was instrumental in helping his team secure a third-place finish in the Bundesliga and earned him a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
A Long-Term Pursuit
This isn't the first time Newcastle has tried to sign Ekitike. The club famously failed in its attempt to bring him to St. James' Park in 2022, when the then-Reims player opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain instead. After a challenging spell at PSG, Ekitike moved to Eintracht Frankfurt—initially on loan and then permanently for just €16.5 million—where his career has flourished.
As this Transfer News: Hugo Ekitike blog post content highlights, Newcastle faces competition from other top clubs, with reports suggesting that other teams may be willing to pay more for the striker. However, the Magpies appear determined to finally land their man. A successful move would not only strengthen their squad for the Premier League but also provide a significant boost for their Champions League campaign, a stage Ekitike hopes will help him earn a call-up to the senior French national team.