Newcastle Intensifies Pursuit of Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Newcastle United has escalated its efforts to secure the services of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. Over the past week, club officials have conducted meetings in Germany regarding the potential transfer of the France U21 international. Reports indicate that further discussions with Ekitike’s representatives have taken place in Austria, where Newcastle is currently engaged in a pre-season training camp.

The negotiations are focused on what would represent a club-record offer for the 23-year-old forward. Frankfurt has placed a valuation of £86 million on Ekitike, surpassing the current record fee of £63 million paid for Alexander Isak in August 2022 when he joined from Real Sociedad.

Previous Attempts and Ekitike’s Rising Star

Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike is not new; the club previously attempted to sign him in 2022. However, he opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain from Stade Reims. Last season, Ekitike demonstrated his potential by scoring 22 goals in 48 matches across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Frankfurt’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Sky Sports’ Adam Bate highlighted Ekitike’s development during his early career. While at Reims, coaching staff devised a development plan aimed at emulating the success of notable players, including Kylian Mbappe. Reims’ former head coach, Oscar Garcia, noted that during Ekitike’s formative years, he was challenged to reach the level of two established strikers. “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,” Garcia stated.

Ekitike’s progress has been remarkable. Prior to his final season at Reims, he had yet to score in France’s top tier and had spent time on loan at Vejle Boldklub in Denmark. Upon his return, he quickly asserted himself, prompting a reassessment of his potential. “Within months, he wanted to reach the same level as Mbappe,” Garcia added.

Character and Ambition

Ekitike’s journey illustrates not only his talent but also his ambition. Oscar Garcia acknowledged that while Ekitike has always been a gifted player, some coaches hesitated to embrace his style and attitude. “They were thinking he was a little bit arrogant. He always wanted to be compared with the best ones,” Garcia remarked.

As Newcastle continues to pursue Ekitike, his rise in the Bundesliga demonstrates his readiness for the next step in his career. With ongoing discussions and a significant offer on the table, fans eagerly await the outcome of this high-stakes transfer saga.

The next chapter in Ekitike’s journey could unfold soon, with Newcastle aiming to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. As the club prepares for further negotiations, the football world will be watching closely.