Newcastle Face Stiff Competition After €80m Bid for Hugo Ekitike Rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt

Newcastle United’s bid of €80 million for Hugo Ekitike has been rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt. Newcastle wants to sign this talented young French striker, but their path is dogged by competition from domestic rivals and potentially one of their existing forward options.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On Monday, Newcastle submitted a club-record bid for Ekitike, but Eintracht Frankfurt turned down the proposal in search of better terms and a higher fee. Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krösche reportedly wants more than the current €80 million offer, with other clubs also signaling a willingness to match or exceed Newcastle’s bid. Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Eintracht Frankfurt last season and contributed 15 assists, re-establishing his reputation after a difficult period at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Frankfurt in January 2024. The French forward has a contract with Eintracht through 2029 and is seen as one of the most valuable talents on the market this summer.

According to a previous report, Hugo Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Eintracht Frankfurt last season.

WHY NEWCASTLE WANT EKITIKE

Newcastle want to sign Ekitike to strengthen their attack after another successful season. Last campaign, they qualified for the Champions League and lifted a major domestic trophy for the first time in decades. Adding the talented striker to their ranks would make them a stronger force in their trophy hunt next season.

Newcastle United finished fifth last season and qualified for the Champions League.

Another factor at play is the potential departure of Alexander Isak. The Sweden international was not involved in Newcastle’s pre-season match against Ferencvaros, and it has been indicated that he could be on his way out. Newcastle United are not willing to sell Alexander Isak despite Liverpool’s bid, which means Ekitike would be a potential replacement and upgrade if Isak leaves for another club.

According to a previous report, Newcastle United are not willing to sell Alexander Isak despite Liverpool’s bid.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Negotiations between Newcastle and Frankfurt are expected to continue, with the possibility of revised offers from Newcastle. Rival interest, especially from Manchester United – and potentially Liverpool – makes the situation even more dynamic.

Newcastle will be hoping to conclude a deal before the season opener as they aim to build on their successful 2024-25 term. The team is currently in Austria for pre-season, preparing for a crucial Champions League play-off.

Frankfurt, meanwhile, finished third in the Bundesliga last season and secured a spot in the Champions League. As Ekitike has a deal that runs until 2029, coach Dino Toppmöller will be glad to hold on to him.

According to a previous report, Eintracht Frankfurt finished third in the Bundesliga last season, earning a spot in the Champions League.