It's uncommon for fans to feel anxious about their club potentially breaking its transfer record.
However, that's the case for some Newcastle United supporters as the club pursues Eintracht Frankfurt's forward, Hugo Ekitike. Newcastle's initial £70 million offer was rejected by the Bundesliga team, as they aim to finalize what would be a record-breaking deal for the promising young player.
With Premier League champions Liverpool also seeking a central striker and reportedly interested in Newcastle's Alexander Isak, speculation is rife.
BBC Sport reports that the Premier League champions have recently initiated talks for the Swedish striker, while also considering other forward options. Sources suggest a deal for Isak could reach up to £130 million, yet Newcastle remains firm in their stance that their star striker is not for sale.
Insiders believe Newcastle is building a dynamic attack capable of tactical flexibility. Ekitike, also linked with Liverpool, is known for his versatility and goal-scoring ability from various positions.
Throughout the summer, Newcastle has consistently stated that their top players, including Isak, are not available for transfer. This raises the question: would Ekitike complement Isak, or potentially replace him?
'Isak Not for Sale' Message Remains Firm
Isak, 25, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63 million, a record purchase that has proven valuable with 54 league goals over three seasons, prompting regular transfer speculations.
Last season, Ekitike, like Isak, played as a lone striker, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists, contributing to Frankfurt's third-place Bundesliga finish. With both players having similar styles and Newcastle typically employing a single central striker under Eddie Howe, Ekitike's role remains uncertain.
BBC Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck suggests, "It's not certain Ekitike will play second fiddle to Isak. There's hope they could play together. Newcastle values versatility, having pursued Chelsea's Joao Pedro, another adaptable striker, earlier this summer."
Raisbeck continues, "While a formation change for the season's start is unlikely, Ekitike's addition would enhance tactical flexibility. Despite financial stability, Newcastle is keen to retain Isak, especially with Champions League ambitions requiring squad depth, even before Callum Wilson's departure."
What Ekitike Would Bring to Newcastle - The Stats
Acquiring Ekitike might present Newcastle with a pre-season selection challenge. Statistics indicate significant overlap between Isak and Ekitike's playing styles, both excelling as lone strikers.
Isak spent 98% of his Premier League minutes last season as a central striker, achieving 23 goals in 34 games. Ekitike, similarly, played as a striker 95% of the time, scoring 15 goals in 31 starts for Frankfurt.
Newcastle's roster includes strong wide options like Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, and new £55 million signing Anthony Elanga. Touch maps reveal both forwards favor the inside left channel, with Ekitike often playing deeper and more freely, potentially allowing him to link with midfielders.
Ekitike, ranking in the top 6% among forwards for chance creation in last season's Bundesliga, is both a provider and scorer, suggesting compatibility with Isak.
'Ekitike is Versatile and Smart'
Newcastle's interest in Ekitike dates back to January 2022, their first transfer window under Saudi ownership. Although a deal didn't materialize then, the club has continued to admire Ekitike, who started at Reims, moved to Paris St-Germain in 2023, and later joined Frankfurt permanently after a loan spell.
German football writer Constantin Eckner tells BBC Sport, "Ekitike's tactical intelligence is a key strength. He has excelled as both a lone and dual striker under Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmoller."
He adds, "During the first half of last season, Ekitike and Omar Marmoush formed a formidable duo until Marmoush's £63 million transfer to Manchester City in January. Frankfurt didn't replace Marmoush, instead shifting tactics with Ekitike as the lone striker."
Eckner highlights Ekitike's versatility, noting, "He's not confined to the box and can outsmart defenders. Despite lacking dynamic speed, his intelligence compensates."
Frankfurt's sporting director Markus Krosche has indicated that Ekitike won't leave for less than £86 million. Eckner concludes, "The Bundesliga club appears willing to sell another top player to the Premier League, adhering to their model of developing talent and funding new signings through sales."
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