Newcastle ‘hope to agree’ £86m deal for Man Utd target with awkward history

Newcastle United are intensifying their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.

The French forward has long been admired by senior figures at St James’ Park, having previously come close to joining the club before opting for a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.

Now, with his career rejuvenated in Germany and interest from Premier League giants growing, Newcastle are prepared to return to the negotiating table in the hope of finally securing his signature.

Reports suggest that Newcastle are willing to meet the £86 million release clause in Ekitike’s contract—a figure that would represent the club’s most expensive acquisition to date. It’s a bold move and one that underscores the Magpies’ ambition to compete at the highest level.

However, they are not alone in their admiration for the 22-year-old. Manchester United and Liverpool are also tracking his progress closely, with Chelsea previously in the mix before turning their attention to Joao Pedro, a target Newcastle missed out on earlier in the window.

Ekitike’s decision to snub Newcastle in favor of PSG two years ago left a sour taste, and there is a sense of unfinished business between the club and the striker. Despite the past, the Magpies remain eager to add his qualities to their squad.

The forward enjoyed a stellar season with Frankfurt, netting 22 goals across all competitions, including 15 in the Bundesliga, which has once again placed him on the radar of Europe’s elite.

Bringing Ekitike to Tyneside would not only send a statement of intent but would also raise questions about the future of current talisman Alexander Isak.

While Newcastle have insisted that Isak is not for sale—reportedly placing a £150 million valuation on his head—the constant interest from top-six clubs remains a concern.

Signing Ekitike could be a strategic move, either to provide competition for Isak or to prepare for a potential departure down the line. Eddie Howe may also explore the possibility of deploying both players in tandem, giving Newcastle a powerful and versatile attacking duo.

So far, the summer transfer window has presented a series of challenges for Newcastle. Several high-profile targets have slipped through their grasp.

Joao Pedro chose Chelsea, Marc Guehi remains closely linked with Liverpool, and Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly edging toward a move to Manchester United.

These setbacks have left fans frustrated, especially given the club’s aspirations to build on last season’s success.

Despite these hurdles, Newcastle have made some progress. They secured the services of promising teenager Antonio Cordero from Malaga, and the recent £55 million acquisition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest has injected fresh pace and energy into their forward line.

Still, there is a consensus among supporters and within the club’s hierarchy that more reinforcements are necessary.

Ekitike’s arrival would not only resolve their need for depth up front but also mark a significant leap in quality. The 22-year-old has shown he can deliver consistently at the top level, and his blend of technical ability, athleticism, and composure in front of goal would fit seamlessly into Howe’s attacking blueprint.

His signing would offer Newcastle not just firepower, but also flexibility and a long-term option who can grow with the club’s evolving ambitions.

As the Magpies aim to close the gap on the Premier League’s elite, making a high-profile signing like Ekitike could prove to be a defining moment in their transfer strategy.

With stiff competition from domestic rivals, Newcastle must act decisively. For a club determined to cement its place among the top four and make deeper inroads into European competition, bringing Ekitike to St James’ Park could be the statement they’ve been waiting to make.