Newcastle line up “one of the best STs out there”, he’s miles better than Calvert-Lewin

Newcastle United have experienced a frustrating start to the summer transfer window, but there’s no doubt the ambition to reinforce Eddie Howe’s first-team squad remains unwavering.

A significant step forward came recently when Anthony Elanga’s long-awaited arrival was all but confirmed. After more than a year of negotiations and speculation, the rapid winger is finally set to join from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £55 million.

Elanga, whose pace and creativity helped drive Forest into European contention, notched 32 goal involvements across two seasons, making him a welcome addition on Tyneside.

However, Elanga is just the beginning of what Newcastle hope will be a transformative window. The club remains determined to strengthen their forward line after losing Callum Wilson, whose contract expired.

Although Newcastle are confident of fending off interest in Alexander Isak—particularly from Liverpool, who continue to lurk—they know they can’t afford to rely on a single forward for another demanding campaign.

The club had earmarked Joao Pedro to add depth, but his decision to join Chelsea in a £60 million move forced a re-think.

As a result, Newcastle have been linked again with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The former Everton striker is reportedly exploring new opportunities and has even held discussions with Newcastle, according to talkSPORT.

But many fans see this as a step in the wrong direction. Calvert-Lewin’s injury woes are well documented, and despite his experience, his output last season—just three goals in 26 Premier League games—doesn’t inspire much confidence.

While Calvert-Lewin might represent a low-cost, experienced option, the Magpies have loftier goals and their gaze has now shifted toward Hugo Ekitike.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Howe and his staff are seriously interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt striker. Ekitike has drawn considerable attention after re-establishing himself in Germany, and with Frankfurt valuing him at €100 million (£85 million), the Frenchman is a premium but potentially rewarding target.

Newcastle nearly signed Ekitike in 2022 when a £33 million deal with Reims collapsed at the eleventh hour. But their persistence appears undeterred.

The 23-year-old’s combination of speed, flair, and attacking intelligence makes him a perfect complement to Isak, and he is widely viewed as one of Europe’s most promising forwards.

He offers far more dynamism and end-product than Calvert-Lewin, and though less dominant aerially, his contribution in other areas is far superior.

A breakdown of their key stats from the 2024/25 season demonstrates just how much more effective Ekitike is in a modern attacking system:

Source: FBref

Although Calvert-Lewin does hold an advantage in aerial duels, the gap isn’t decisive. Ekitike, who stands 6ft 2in, won 4.2 duels per match last season and converted 46% of his aerial contests.

Calvert-Lewin, for all his strength in the air, only edged that with a 51% success rate. The difference is marginal and certainly coachable, especially under Howe, who has consistently developed forwards into complete players.

Newcastle’s style of play, which saw them attempt 705 crosses in the Premier League last season—the sixth-highest in the division—would certainly benefit from a strong target in the box.

But Ekitike offers far more than a physical presence. He brings pace, creativity, link-up play, and the sort of relentless movement that unsettles defenders and stretches backlines.

Journalist Graeme Bailey even likened him to “the next Mbappe” due to his explosive athleticism and potential to grow into a world-class forward.

With Champions League football returning to St James’ Park and Newcastle crowned Carabao Cup champions, the club now has the stature to attract high-calibre talents like Ekitike.

While the £85 million price tag might seem steep, it’s a reflection of both his talent and the market. If Frankfurt relax their valuation or a structured deal can be agreed, Newcastle could secure one of the most exciting forwards in Europe.

As the window progresses, financial flexibility and player willingness will ultimately determine the outcome.

But if Newcastle pull off this deal, they won’t just have filled a squad gap—they’ll have made a statement of intent, bringing in a forward capable of shaping their future for years to come.