Ekitike ready for medical with Newcastle on the verge of full agreement

Hugo Ekitike appears to be on the brink of becoming Newcastle United’s next marquee signing, with reports now suggesting that only final formalities separate the club from sealing what would be a record-breaking deal.

Often, Newcastle’s most successful signings arrive without fanfare, and Ekitike’s potential move is quietly building into another one of those shrewd, under-the-radar captures.

Much like the rapid and discreet negotiations that brought Sandro Tonali from AC Milan for £55 million and Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for £63 million, this deal has gathered pace behind closed doors.

Newcastle seem determined to operate with similar stealth and efficiency in their pursuit of Ekitike, and recent developments suggest that their efforts are about to pay off.

According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, the Magpies held initial talks in Germany last week, and the process has accelerated even further since Ekitike’s entourage traveled to the club’s pre-season training base in Austria. That move appears to have brought both parties significantly closer to an agreement.

French football insider Julien Laurens, writing for ESPN, has now stated that Newcastle are on the verge of finalising an €80 million (£69.5 million) deal with Eintracht Frankfurt.

According to Laurens, Ekitike’s agent, Ali Barat, has been working closely with Newcastle officials to resolve the final contractual and logistical details.

The report goes further to reveal that personal terms have already been agreed on a five-year contract, and the 23-year-old forward is ready to undergo a medical.

That strongly indicates the player’s side of the deal is complete and Newcastle are closing in on the final signatures needed to make it official.

If completed, the deal would eclipse the current club-record fee paid for Isak and signal another clear statement of intent from a club that continues to grow in ambition and stature.

For Newcastle, the potential arrival of Ekitike not only brings in a long-admired talent but also adds significant firepower alongside their new £52 million acquisition, Anthony Elanga.

Ekitike’s numbers from last season illustrate why Newcastle have pursued him so persistently. With 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman demonstrated not only his finishing ability but also his creative influence in the final third.

His versatility allows him to operate both as a central striker and in a supporting role, making him an ideal partner or alternative to Alexander Isak in Eddie Howe’s fluid attacking setup.

Beyond his club performances, Ekitike has also shone on the international stage, notching five goals in as many appearances for France’s under-21 side.

At just 23 years old, he offers both immediate impact and long-term potential, aligning perfectly with Newcastle’s recruitment philosophy of targeting young, high-ceiling players with the mentality to thrive in a high-demand environment.

The deal, once finalised, will mark a significant moment in Newcastle’s transfer window and further solidify their status as a club capable of attracting elite-level talent.

With Champions League football on the horizon and a refreshed attacking lineup beginning to take shape, the arrival of Ekitike could prove pivotal in pushing the club toward the next stage of their evolution.