Isak Needs Support and Newcastle See Bundesliga Star as the Answer | OneFootball

Isak Needs Support and Newcastle See Bundesliga Star as the Answer | OneFootball

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·13. Juli 2025

Isak Needs Support and Newcastle See Bundesliga Star as the Answer

Artikelbild:Isak Needs Support and Newcastle See Bundesliga Star as the Answer

Newcastle’s Pursuit of Ekitike Signals Ambition, But Questions Remain

Striker Search Intensifies on Tyneside

Newcastle United’s forward planning continues in earnest, with the club rekindling their interest in French striker Hugo Ekitike as they search for support alongside Alexander Isak. With Callum Wilson departing and only Denmark Under-21 international William Osula offering cover, Eddie Howe knows reinforcements are essential.

Having already missed out on Joao Pedro, who opted for Chelsea over Brighton and Newcastle, the Magpies are “still hoping to sign another striker in this window.” The Telegraph reports that Ekitike is once again top of their list, a player they’ve pursued before, only to lose out when he joined Paris St-Germain in 2022.


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Squad Depth Ahead of Champions League Campaign

Newcastle’s need is driven not just by squad balance but also the looming workload. Champions League football awaits, alongside the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, making rotation crucial. “Newcastle cannot expect Isak to play in every game and need to rotate their forwards.”

Eddie Howe has good options on the flanks. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes offer pace and width on the left, while Jacob Murphy and £55 million signing Anthony Elanga will contest minutes on the right. In the centre, however, it’s Isak or nothing.

Ekitike’s Profile and Previous Pursuit

“Telegraph Sport revealed that Newcastle were still tracking Ekitike” in June and if they pull off this move, it could be a “major coup.” The 23-year-old striker excelled in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, netting 22 goals with 12 assists last season and playing a key role in securing Champions League qualification.

After an underwhelming spell at PSG where he failed to establish himself, Ekitike moved to Germany in search of first-team opportunities. It’s paid off, and his reputation has bounced back.

However, Newcastle have been here before. “A deal was close to being completed on both occasions” in 2022 before Ekitike chose Paris. There will be caution in the boardroom this time.

Price Tag and Premier League Interest

Complicating matters is a reported €100 million (£86 million) release clause. Newcastle would “almost certainly have to pay the full fee” to conclude any deal. With Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea also keeping tabs, the Magpies must act decisively.

“Telegraph Sport understands Newcastle have made the player’s representatives aware of their desire to sign the France Under-21 international and will hope to agree a fee with the Bundesliga club.”

Despite the chase for Ekitike, Newcastle remain firm on Isak’s future. “The Newcastle hierarchy still intend to offer last season’s top goalscorer a new contract later this summer and have no interest in selling him.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This could be it. The final piece of the jigsaw. Ekitike is no longer the raw talent Newcastle chased in 2022. After a tough stint at PSG, he’s matured and proven himself with Frankfurt. Twenty-two goals, twelve assists and Champions League qualification? That’s exactly the level we need.

With Isak hopefully committing long-term, having both in the squad would allow Howe tactical flexibility. Play them together, rotate them, or unleash Ekitike from the bench. Either way, it would relieve the burden on Isak and give us firepower for all fronts.

Yes, the £86 million release clause is steep, but we’re in the Champions League. These are the signings we need if we want to be taken seriously. It’s a risk, sure, but one that could define our European campaign. Ekitike has already slipped through our fingers twice, it’s time to act and make him a Newcastle player at last.

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