Newcastle United are ready to make an even bigger splash in the transfer market after signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
It was confirmed on Friday 11th July that Newcastle United have signed Elanga. The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at St James’ Park, becoming one of Newcastle’s most expensive players ever at £55million.
But the Magpies’ summer spending is not going to end there. Newcastle want to sign a striker next, with Eddie Howe in need of more cover for Alexander Isak.
They have already missed out on Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, but now Newcastle United are eyeing someone even better.
Newcastle United signal their intent to sign Hugo Ekitike
It was recently reported that Newcastle United are interested in Hugo Ekitike, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding the Magpies’ pursuit of the French forward.
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United officials have made it clear to Ekitike’s representatives that they would like to bring him to St James’ Park this summer.
The Telegraph add that the 23-year-old has an £86million release clause in his Eintracht Frankfurt contract, with the Magpies most likely required to pay the full amount to get the striker they want.
That would break Newcastle’s transfer record, which currently belongs to Alexander Isak. He cost £63million in August 2022. That came after Ekitike snubbed a move to Tyneside for a second time.
Newcastle United are making a huge statement of intent if they sign Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle United desperately need to sign a striker this summer. The problem is they are aiming to sign someone who will serve as deputy to Isak.
But that will surely not be the case if Ekitike arrives. You are not going to break your transfer record for a player who is going to be a substitute.
A move for Ekitike could hint that Eddie Howe is going to utilise a front two, which was suggested during the pursuits of Pedro and Delap. The Newcastle United manager could also have the luxury of playing Ekitike out wide, as he is certainly versatile.
No matter where he plays, bringing Ekitike to St James’ Park would be a statement of intent. In a summer in which multiple elite clubs are searching for strikers, Newcastle could suddenly have two of Europe’s most sought-after. He has been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, yet it is Newcastle who are making their move.
The Frenchman would arrive on the back of an outstanding season, with Ekitike scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists for Frankfurt.
It would be some coup if the Newcastle United recruitment team pull this off.
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