Newcastle United did their best, but they are not going to be able to play Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike alongside each other next season.
That was the goal, as Newcastle tried to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. It would have been a major statement of intent, with the 23-year-old primed to become Newcastle’s most expensive signing.
A deal worth £70million was discussed, as Eddie Howe dreamed of having two of Europe’s brightest forwards leading his attack. Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle told Ekitike he would play alongside Isak, rather than it being a case of one or the other.
However, Ekitike is heading to Liverpool instead. Newcastle’s interest is over, as they look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
Newcastle United wanted to show Alexander Isak their ambition
Ekitike was an ambitious target, and it will be interesting to see whether the Magpies’ next target treads a similar path. Benjamin Sesko is linked with Newcastle, and he would certainly fall under that category.
Ambition could be the word of the day, with the Independent’s Miguel Delaney explaining why Newcastle tried to sign Ekitike in his weekly newsletter.
According to Delaney, Newcastle’s bid to sign Ekitike and play him alongside Isak was not just about making Howe’s attack even more devastating. It was also to outline the club’s ambition to Isak.
The pursuit of Ekitike came at a time when Liverpool wanted Isak, with the 25-year-old viewed as Arne Slot’s dream signing. Had Liverpool made an acceptable offer for him, it would have been interesting to see if he would have pushed for a deal.
Talk of Isak leaving the club is futile until a serious bid comes in, but Newcastle are right to want to impress their talisman. He needs to be convinced that he can achieve his long-term ambitions at St James’ Park.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United must showcase their ambition after historic season
In the end, Newcastle have not been able to showcase their ambition to Isak. Instead, they are set to miss out on another target.
Following an interview with the club, Newcastle fans think Eddie Howe is frustrated. It is understandable if he is, as he has seen the recruitment team make just one major signing despite putting so much work in.
Newcastle need to strengthen their squad ahead of returning to the Champions League. They also need to strengthen their squad to reinforce the club’s ambition to the likes of Isak.
The Magpies cannot be seen to be standing still after qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup. For people to buy into the PIF project on Tyneside, there needs to be constant progression.
That is why the club ambitiously swooped for Ekitike, and it will be interesting to see if they try to pull off anything equally as ambitious after missing out on the Frenchman.
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