Newcastle in talks to sign “one of the best STs out there”, he’s better than Joao Pedro
Newcastle United’s summer transfer strategy revolves around a delicate balancing act – maintaining their prized asset Alexander Isak while simultaneously bolstering their attacking options for a demanding campaign ahead.
The Magpies hierarchy remain confident about retaining their Swedish talisman despite inevitable interest from Europe’s elite, but Eddie Howe recognizes the pressing need to inject fresh firepower into his frontline.
With Callum Wilson’s advancing years and William Osula still finding his feet at Premier League level, the club have identified two primary targets who could transform their attacking dynamics.
Brighton’s Joao Pedro emerges as a serious option, with negotiations reportedly on the verge of commencing for the £60 million-rated Brazilian. The 23-year-old has proven his Premier League credentials since arriving from Watford, offering the versatility to operate across the frontline while providing the goal threat Newcastle crave.
Pedro’s potential arrival would create an intriguing partnership with Isak rather than replacing him, giving Howe the option to deploy both in a fluid attacking system or rotate to manage workloads across multiple competitions.
However, an even more tantalizing prospect has emerged in the form of Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old French striker, currently plying his trade at Eintracht Frankfurt, represents the caliber of signing that could announce Newcastle’s continued ascent among Europe’s elite.
While Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool circle for the former PSG man, Newcastle have reportedly entered discussions, testing Frankfurt’s resolve with their £85 million valuation.
Statistical Showdown: Ekitike vs Pedro
A comparative analysis of both targets reveals why Ekitike has generated such excitement across Europe:
| Stat (per 90) | Hugo Ekitike | Joao Pedro |
|---|---|---|
| Goals scored | 0.53 | 0.46 |
| Assists | 0.28 | 0.28 |
| Shots taken | 4.00 | 1.94 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.55 | 3.33 |
| Touches (att pen) | 6.88 | 5.64 |
| Progressive passes | 1.86 | 3.60 |
| Progressive carries | 3.27 | 3.05 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.83 | 1.34 |
| Ball recoveries | 3.06 | 2.73 |
| Tackles + interceptions | 0.81 | 1.16 |
Ekitike’s numbers paint the picture of a complete modern striker – prolific in front of goal, creative in buildup play, and relentless in his movement. His 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season demonstrate the end product to match his elegant style, earning praise from Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard as “Europe’s most elegant striker.”
Talent scout Jacek Kulig goes further, suggesting Ekitike “could reach world-class striker levels” – the kind of potential that justifies Newcastle’s interest despite the premium price tag.
From Rejection to Redemption?
The potential pursuit of Ekitike carries an intriguing subplot – Newcastle came close to signing the striker for £26 million during his Reims days in 2022, only for PSG to hijack the deal.
While his Parc des Princes stint proved underwhelming (just 4 goals in 33 appearances), his Frankfurt renaissance has showcased the talent that initially attracted Europe’s top clubs. Now older, wiser, and battle-tested in two major leagues, Ekitike represents a more polished version of the prospect Newcastle initially chased.
Pedro, while undoubtedly talented, lacks Ekitike’s ceiling. The Brazilian’s non-penalty goals per 90 place him in the Premier League’s bottom 21% for forwards last season – a concerning statistic for a potential £60 million outlay.
His technical qualities and adaptability make him a solid option, but in the rarefied air of Champions League football where marginal gains separate contenders from pretenders, Ekitike’s superior output and potential could prove decisive.
Strategic Considerations
Newcastle’s decision ultimately hinges on several factors:
- Financial Flexibility – While PIF’s resources are considerable, Financial Fair Play regulations require prudent spending. Ekitike’s potential availability at a reduced fee could make the difference.
- Squad Dynamics – Pedro’s Premier League experience offers safer integration, but Ekitike’s higher ceiling aligns better with Newcastle’s ambitious project.
- Competition – Outmaneuvering Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool for Ekitike would send a powerful message about Newcastle’s growing pull.
- Style Fit – Ekitike’s combination of technical grace and physical presence seems tailor-made for Howe’s system, offering the mobility and finishing prowess to complement Isak.
As negotiations progress, Newcastle find themselves at a crossroads. Pedro represents the sensible, proven option, while Ekitike embodies the statement signing that could accelerate their rise.
In a summer where Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all strengthening, settling for anything less than exceptional might see Newcastle risk losing ground in the relentless Premier League arms race.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle’s hierarchy share this ambition, or whether financial pragmatism wins out.
One thing remains certain – with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park, the caliber of signing must match the heightened expectations.
Ekitike, with his blend of proven quality and untapped potential, represents exactly the caliber of acquisition that could transform Newcastle from top-four hopefuls into genuine contenders.
The question now is whether the Magpies have the conviction to pursue footballing royalty or whether they’ll settle for dependable nobility.