Sky Sports drop Hugo Ekitike Liverpool bombshell after Newcastle United club-record bid

Newcastle United and Liverpool are deeply entangled in a high-stakes transfer battle that revolves around two talented forwards: Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.

As both clubs look to shape their attacking options ahead of the new season, the intensity of this saga continues to escalate with each passing day, drawing attention across the footballing world.

Newcastle have recently taken a bold step in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, submitting a significant £69.5 million bid to Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, the Bundesliga club swiftly rejected the offer, holding firm to their valuation, which is believed to be closer to £86 million. Negotiations between the Magpies and Frankfurt remain ongoing, and although discussions have advanced, no final agreement has yet been reached.

Ekitike, who netted 22 goals last season, is viewed as a key target by Newcastle’s recruitment team, who see him as a player capable of thriving in the Premier League’s physical and fast-paced environment.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have made their intentions clear. While Ekitike is very much on their radar, their primary interest lies with Newcastle’s own Alexander Isak.

The Swedish striker has blossomed into one of Europe’s most effective forwards since joining Newcastle, and his performances have not gone unnoticed.

Should Liverpool fail in their attempts to secure Isak, they are prepared to shift their focus entirely onto Ekitike, potentially hijacking Newcastle’s deal.

This dual interest creates an intriguing dynamic—Newcastle are working to bring in Ekitike while also resisting any pressure to sell Isak, a player they see as central to their ambitions for the coming seasons.

Sky Sports Germany recently revealed that Liverpool are willing to outbid Newcastle for Ekitike, even though they’ve yet to submit a formal offer.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Frankfurt have been informed of Liverpool’s readiness to pay a higher fee, suggesting the Reds could pounce at any moment.

This revelation adds urgency to Newcastle’s position, as they now face increased competition from a rival with both the financial power and the Champions League appeal to influence the player’s decision.

Adding to the complexity, Manchester United have reportedly entered the fray as well, closely monitoring the situation and poised to act if the opportunity arises.

Despite the noise surrounding Ekitike now, it’s not the first time Newcastle have attempted to sign him. Back in 2022, they came close to sealing a deal with Stade de Reims, but the young Frenchman ultimately opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

At the time, Newcastle were still in the early stages of their new project, while PSG offered the allure of Champions League football and a star-studded squad. From Ekitike’s perspective, joining the biggest club in France seemed like the natural next step in his career.

He later explained that the offer from Paris was simply too good to refuse, and he was eager to play alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi.

However, the dream move to PSG quickly turned into a frustrating experience. With limited opportunities to play, Ekitike struggled to make his mark, starting just 14 games and scoring four goals.

His second season in Paris saw him completely frozen out of the squad. By the time he made a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024, he had already watched from the sidelines as Newcastle thrashed PSG 4-1 in the Champions League—a poignant reminder of what could have been had he taken a different path two years earlier.

Reflecting on his time at PSG, Ekitike admitted it wasn’t the happiest chapter of his career but acknowledged that it was a necessary part of his journey.

He remains determined to fulfill his potential and sees his move to Frankfurt as a fresh beginning. With his confidence restored and goalscoring touch rediscovered, he is once again a hot commodity in the transfer market, attracting serious interest from Europe’s top clubs.

Now, as negotiations continue, Newcastle are hoping to convince Ekitike to finally wear black and white, while also holding firm on their stance regarding Isak. Liverpool, on the other hand, seem ready to pounce and shake up the landscape.

With Manchester United lurking in the background, the final outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—this is one of the summer’s most compelling transfer stories, and the next few days could prove pivotal in determining where both Ekitike and Isak will play their football next season.