Newcastle United have seemingly missed out on the signing of Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool in advanced talks. However, PIF could do something inexplicable and help Arne Slot fund the deal.
The Magpies are still hoping for a busy summer after the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, but business must be done quickly with less than a month until the start of the Premier League season.
Newcastle United take on Celtic in the Adidas Trophy on Saturday, where Eddie Howe was hoping for more than one new addition to be playing. Unfortunately, it looks like that will not be the case, and fans will see the usual suspects other than Elanga.
In the meantime, Newcastle are looking to sign a striker following the departure of Callum Wilson at the end of his contract. Reports suggested Newcastle were in advanced talks with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike, but the deal broke down after their bid of around £70million was rejected.
While Newcastle look for another striker to sign, a new report has stated that PIF could become a key factor in a deal which would see Liverpool given the funds to sign Ekitike this summer.
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With Liverpool looking to sign Ekitike, it may be a case that they need some more funds before the deal can go through. Arne Slot’s side have spent heavily on the likes of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, so PSR could naturally be a concern.
However, it appears as though Liverpool have found a buyer for Darwin Nunez, who is reportedly set to leave the Reds this summer. The 26-year-old scored just five Premier League goals last season, so Slot is keen on signing another striker to complete his superteam.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Nunez has interest from Al-Hilal, a team owned by PIF. The figures of the deal are not yet known, but Liverpool will be keen to get close to the £64m they spent on him in 2023.
PIF risk upsetting Newcastle fans once again by giving one of their rival clubs a financial boost by signing one of their players. It will likely be used towards the Ekitike deal.
PIF could give Newcastle United the money they want to spend on Darwin Nunez for Yoane Wissa
With Howe looking to sign a new striker, Newcastle have been linked with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. The 28-year-old is out of contract next season, albeit with an option, but could be moved on from the Gtec Community Stadium this summer if the price is right.
Reports state that Brentford are aiming for at least £30m for the striker who scored 19 Premier League goals last season.
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If PIF are serious about Newcastle, they should look to invest the funds they were looking to spend on Nunez into the Magpies instead. Of course, it is easier said than done, but there appears to be growing frustration from Howe about the lack of transfers despite the work which is going on behind the scenes.
With the transfer window having been open for more than a month, Howe would have certainly expected more than one signing this summer.
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