Newcastle United’s interest in striker Hugo Ekitike has made headlines once again, as the club has reportedly submitted a club-record bid for the talented forward. After a breakout campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals on the year. His stunning progress has won him a market price of £85 million from his beleaguered club. Even with Newcastle seemingly his preferred destination after years of reported interest, the odds on the Tynesiders pulling off this deal look remote due to budgetary constraints.
Ekitike’s story is a remarkable one, especially considering how far he’s come in just a few years. Then he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022 and faced a different battle. He soon signed with Eintracht Frankfurt, with whom he enjoyed a breakout season last year. Newcastle has monitored Ekitike’s progress for several years and remains keen on bringing him to St. James’ Park. Budget constraints may hinder this ambition.
Ekitike’s Impressive Season and Market Value
Hugo Ekitike had a great season at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and proving he can do it up top. After a lackluster stint at PSG, where he struggled to find the net in France’s top tier prior to his final season at Reims, Ekitike’s resurgence has caught the attention of various clubs.
Eintracht Frankfurt acquired Ekitike from PSG for £14 million last summer. His exceptional displays have significantly increased his market value. As things stand, the club are said to value him at £85 million, a price currently out of Newcastle’s financial reach. Keith Downie commented on Ekitike’s journey, stating:
“They are very keen on Ekitike; they tried to sign him three years ago from Rennes in France but instead he went to PSG. That didn’t work out; he signed for Frankfurt and had a terrific season last year, scoring 22 goals.” – Keith Downie
Newcastle’s Transfer Strategy and Financial Constraints
Newcastle United has made significant strides in the transfer market this summer, including a major signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55 million. The club is dealing with the realities of strict budgets. Their new club record signing, Alexander Isak, was £63 million so affording high-figure targets such as Ekitike will be tricky.
Those negotiations for Ekitike were taking place recorded between his agents and Newcastle in Austria. With just days before the deadline, reports indicate that a deal is unlikely due to budget constraints. Downie noted:
“The deal at this time looks unlikely as Newcastle only have so much to spend. The budget is tight having signed Elanga too. I feel like £70-75 million is about as high as Newcastle will go. Time will tell but there is a gap in the valuation.” – Keith Downie
Competition and Future Prospects for Ekitike
Newcastle aren’t the only club interested in Hugo Ekitike. Big clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have made bids for him this January transfer window as well. Frankfurt continues to be on the competitive market. They feel confident that other clubs will make bigger bids for the Newcastle star.
Oscar Garcia, Ekitike’s previous mentor at Reims, was all too aware of the forward’s development. He protested Ekitike to raise his level and compete against more seasoned forwards. He stated:
“These were players with similar profiles from teams that were better than our team, but not at the distance Paris Saint-Germain were from us.” – Oscar Garcia
Ekitike’s future has been up in the air, with the young forward deciding where to go next. Although Newcastle would be the likely favorite for his signature, the financial realities of the transfer market will probably say differently.
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