Newcastle finalising club-record £68m for Liverpool target as agent flies to Tyneside
Newcastle United are on the brink of completing what would be a landmark transfer as the club closes in on the signing of Hugo Ekitike, a striker long admired by the Tyneside outfit.
After previously seeing two bids fall short in 2022 when the French forward opted instead for Paris Saint-Germain, the Magpies are hoping the third time proves successful.
Ekitike, once seen as a prodigious talent during his time at Stade de Reims, endured a turbulent 18-month spell in Paris where limited opportunities and a clash with head coach Luis Enrique hampered his progression.
Seeking a fresh start, Ekitike moved to Germany, joining Eintracht Frankfurt—initially on loan before making the switch permanent.
The move proved transformative for the 23-year-old, who reignited his career with an outstanding season, scoring 22 goals and re-establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards.
His resurgence has inevitably attracted attention, with Liverpool and Manchester United closely monitoring his situation. But Newcastle appear to be leading the charge, pushing forward with determination and intent to get the deal over the line.
According to respected French journalist Julien Laurens, the player’s agent, Ali Barat, has arrived on Tyneside to finalise a deal reported to be worth €80 million (approximately £68 million).
Laurens confirmed the development via social media, suggesting negotiations are entering their final stages as the Magpies edge closer to securing their top forward target.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also weighed in, reporting that Newcastle have submitted an official offer exceeding the €70 million previously put forward by another suitor earlier this summer, reinforcing their commitment to landing the Frankfurt star.
Sources also indicate that representatives from Newcastle held face-to-face meetings in Germany last week and plan to continue discussions during their pre-season trip to Austria.
Should the transfer proceed as expected, it would mark a new club-record fee for Newcastle United, surpassing the £63 million paid to Real Sociedad for Alexander Isak in 2022.
Ekitike’s potential arrival would represent not only a major coup but also a long-standing ambition for manager Eddie Howe, who has spoken openly in the past about his admiration for the player.
After Newcastle’s unsuccessful attempt to sign him during his time in Ligue 1, Howe acknowledged his disappointment but maintained respect for the player’s decision.
He described Ekitike as a “real talent” who could have made a significant impact at St James’ Park had the move materialised earlier, and expressed no bitterness over the missed opportunity.
Now, with Callum Wilson’s departure following the expiration of his contract, the need to reinforce Newcastle’s attacking line has become a priority.
While Alexander Isak remains central to Howe’s plans and is not for sale despite interest from clubs such as Liverpool, the Newcastle boss has sought to bring in a striker who can both complement and rotate with the Swedish international.
Ekitike fits the profile—young, dynamic, technically sound, and capable of leading the line or playing in a supporting role.
Interestingly, Newcastle also pursued Joao Pedro, who eventually chose Chelsea, and Ekitike appears to be the alternative Howe is now intent on landing.
With the Magpies preparing for a return to Champions League football, the need for depth and quality in every department is clear, and bringing in a player of Ekitike’s calibre would significantly boost their offensive options.
If the deal goes through, it will signal not only Newcastle’s ambition but also a strategic move to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
For Ekitike, it offers the chance to revive his top-flight career in a league that rewards energy, pace, and clinical finishing. For Newcastle, it marks another bold statement in their post-takeover era, one that could define their attacking identity for seasons to come.