Newcastle United take on Liverpool in their first home game of the Premier League season, a game which has caught the attention of many outside the two football clubs.
There is no doubt that the fixture has come at a perfect time for the Magpies. Eddie Howe’s side will be eager to let off some steam after talk that Alexander Isak could join Liverpool this summer.
Liverpool had a £110million bid for Isak rejected in August, with Newcastle United holding out for around £150million for their star striker. With Newcastle unwilling to sell, Isak is currently refusing to play for his club in an effort to force a move away.
Newcastle are hoping to sign a new striker this summer, and work is underway, with reports suggesting that talks were being held for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.
While there is optimism that new signings can be made, Newcastle have endured their fair share of hardship this summer. Hugo Ekitike was of interest to Newcastle, and talks with Eintracht Frankfurt took place over a move. However, Liverpool stole a march and signed Ekitike, who then scored on his Premier League debut.
With Ekitike set to play at St James’ Park for the first time, Howe has broken his silence on the talks this summer.
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Eddie Howe reveals admiration for Hugo Ekitike after failed Newcastle United approach
While the drama surrounding Isak is ever-present, Liverpool have already signed a striker in Ekitike this summer. The 23-year-old cost a staggering £69m up-front, with add-ons taking the deal close to £80m.
Newcastle have tried to sign Ekitike on multiple occasions, coming very close in January 2022 before the deal was called off. Howe tried again that summer, but Ekitike decided a move to PSG was better for him.
The Frenchman finally has his Premier League move, even though it was not the one Howe was hoping for.
In his pre-match press conference, Howe was asked about the failed Ekitike deal.
“I think there’s no doubting that I really like Hugo and have done for a number of years. He’s someone that we’ve tracked for a long time. He’s got really good qualities, and I think he showed that in his first Premier League game. Very good debut against Bournemouth.
“He’s got really good movement, he’s intelligent, he’s good in the air, scores goals. I think he’s got a load of qualities that will serve him really well in the Premier League. Our job will be to keep him quiet and try to control him, but certainly he’s going to be a threat this year.”
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Newcastle United are done trying to sign their Alexander Isak replacement this summer
With just over a week left in the transfer window, it is clear that Newcastle need at least one new face to come through the door before it slams shut.
At one point, it looked nailed on that Yoane Wissa was going to join Newcastle, but Brentford’s reluctance to budge from their asking price has made things very difficult for Howe’s recruitment team.
Elsewhere, it looks as though Matt Targett is set to join Middlesbrough on loan to get more first-team football before his contract expires, so a new left-back must also be considered.
With their stance on Isak unchanged, it is clear that Newcastle are now focused on trying to sign a replacement for Callum Wilson, rather than Isak. Wilson left Newcastle in July after turning down a new deal and has since joined West Ham United.
There is clearly money in the bank for Newcastle to spend, but it must be spent wisely to ensure that whoever comes in is the right fit for the club.
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