Sky Sports Germany explain why Newcastle United’s £69M bid for Hugo Ekitke was rejected

Newcastle United’s attempt to land Hugo Ekitike has hit a stumbling block, as their official bid was rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.

While it’s not unusual for an initial offer to be turned down in high-stakes transfers, the explanation behind this rejection has raised eyebrows among supporters, especially after Sky Sports Germany revealed key details behind Frankfurt’s decision.

Newcastle reportedly tabled a written offer worth €80 million, which on the surface appears substantial. However, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the bid was dismissed primarily because of the proposed payment structure.

Frankfurt appear dissatisfied with the way Newcastle planned to distribute the payments, which suggests the Magpies may have front-loaded less cash than the Bundesliga side desired, possibly offering a deal with heavy instalments or deferred clauses that did not match Frankfurt’s expectations.

But what truly complicates matters is the suggestion that Newcastle’s proposal fell short not just in structure, but in overall valuation compared to rival suitors.

Plettenberg’s update implied that other clubs had already indicated a willingness to meet Frankfurt’s asking price—and potentially exceed it—leaving many puzzled as to why Newcastle would come in with a lower bid despite being well aware of the competitive landscape.

Given the nature of modern transfer negotiations, it’s implausible to think Newcastle entered these talks blind to Frankfurt’s valuation or the interest from other clubs.

That makes their lowball approach even more frustrating, particularly with Liverpool now hovering and expected to step up their interest.

In a market as aggressive and competitive as this one, wasting time with sub-par bids risks losing the race altogether—something Newcastle can ill afford after chasing Ekitike across multiple windows.

It’s also not the first time Newcastle have approached a marquee target with hesitation at the final hurdle. The club has worked tirelessly to rebuild its reputation on the European stage, and moves like this, where urgency and decisiveness are required, can define their trajectory.

Ekitike, still only 23, represents a key long-term asset who would not only elevate the squad technically but also offer substantial resale value in the future.

Newcastle’s persistence in structuring a deal on their own terms is understandable from a financial planning perspective, especially under the scrutiny of profitability and sustainability regulations.

However, in this case, those efforts may be counterproductive. When the gap between success and failure in the transfer market is often determined by a few million euros or the timing of a bid, being overly cautious can cost a club the very talent they’re trying to secure.

The situation remains fluid, and Newcastle still have time to adjust their approach. If they want to seal the Ekitike deal and prevent rivals from stealing in at the last moment, they must move swiftly and decisively.

Frankfurt’s position is clear—they expect better terms and potentially a higher upfront commitment. If Newcastle truly want the player, they will have to meet those demands without delay.

The message is simple: stop negotiating against yourself. The blueprint for what Frankfurt want is already on the table. Either match it and land a striker with immense promise, or risk walking away empty-handed again. The choice, now, is Newcastle’s.