Newcastle United’s pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has reignited, marking a renewed effort to secure a player they have long admired. The 23-year-old French striker, once a target for the Magpies in 2022, has emerged as a prime candidate to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options ahead of a demanding 2025-26 season, which includes Champions League football and three domestic competitions. With a reported release clause of around £86 million, this potential club-record signing signals Newcastle’s ambition to compete at the highest level. But where would Ekitike fit into Eddie Howe’s squad, and how would his skill set enhance the team’s tactical setup?
🚨 🇫🇷 🗣️ "Newcastle United are now working to find an agreement on the player's side and also with Eintracht Frankfurt", according to @FabrizioRomano.
— 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝘆𝗻𝗲 #NUFC (@ToonMouthTyne) July 14, 2025
Heating up now this one.....🔥🔥🔥#NUFC pic.twitter.com/8VRi7gN1uQ
Ekitike’s Journey and Resurgence
Hugo Ekitike’s career has been a tale of promise, setbacks, and redemption. Born in Reims, France, on June 20, 2002, Ekitike rose through the ranks of his hometown club, Stade de Reims, making his senior debut in October 2020. His breakthrough came in the 2021-22 season, where he scored 10 goals and provided four assists in just 24 Ligue 1 appearances, despite limited minutes. His performances attracted Newcastle’s attention, with the club nearly securing his signature in 2022. However, Ekitike opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain, a decision that didn’t yield the desired results.
At PSG, Ekitike struggled for game time, managing only four goals in 33 appearances, often overshadowed by stars like Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi. His loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024, later made permanent, proved a turning point. In the 2024-25 season, Ekitike rediscovered his form, scoring an impressive 22 goals and adding 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, helping Frankfurt secure Champions League qualification. His resurgence has put him back on the radar of Premier League clubs.
Newcastle’s Need for a Striker
Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike comes as they look to strengthen their forward line to support star striker Alexander Isak. With Callum Wilson’s departure as a free agent in June 2025, and William Osula as the only other recognized striker, the Magpies need depth to manage a grueling schedule. Isak, who scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League games last season, cannot be expected to play every match, especially with the added demands of European football. Ekitike’s signing would provide a dynamic partner and rotational option, ensuring Newcastle maintain their attacking threat across multiple fronts.
The Magpies’ financial situation, bolstered by Champions League revenue, allows them to pursue high-profile targets while adhering to Profitability and Sustainability Rules. However, the £86 million release clause poses a significant hurdle, potentially requiring Newcastle to break their transfer record. Despite this, the club’s persistence suggests confidence in Ekitike’s ability to deliver. Importantly, signing Ekitike would not signal Isak’s departure, as Newcastle are keen to extend the Swedish striker’s contract.
Tactical Fit: Where Would Ekitike Play?
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle typically deploys a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with flexibility to adapt to a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 depending on the opponent. Ekitike’s versatility as a striker who can also operate on the left wing or as part of a front two makes him an ideal fit for Howe’s system. His attributes—pace, flair, sharp finishing, strong dribbling, and excellent heading ability—complement Newcastle’s high-pressing, transition-based style.
Primary Role: Rotational Striker
Ekitike’s most likely role would be as a rotational striker, sharing the load with Isak. His predatory instincts, evidenced by his 22 goals last season, make him a natural fit as a central forward. At Reims, he often played as one of two strikers in a 3-5-2, showcasing his ability to link play and capitalize on chances in the box. His Frankfurt stats highlight his clinical edge, which could alleviate pressure on Isak during congested fixture lists. For example, Ekitike could start in cup competitions or against lower-table Premier League sides, allowing Isak to rest for high-stakes matches.
In a 4-3-3, Ekitike would slot in as the central striker, supported by wingers like Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon or Harvey Barnes. His hold-up play and ability to bring others into the game would create space for these pacey wingers to exploit, while his heading ability could capitalize on crosses from players like Kieran Trippier or Valentino Livramento.
Secondary Role: Wide Forward
Ekitike’s experience on the left wing, particularly during his Reims days, adds another dimension. In a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, he could play as a wide forward, cutting in to support Isak or drifting centrally to create overloads. His dribbling and long-range shooting would add unpredictability to Newcastle’s attack. This flexibility allows Howe to rotate Gordon or Barnes without losing attacking quality.
Potential Two-Striker System
While Howe rarely uses a two-striker system, Ekitike’s prior success in a 3-5-2 at Reims suggests he could pair with Isak in specific matches, such as against defensively compact teams. Ekitike’s ability to drop deep and link play would complement Isak’s runs in behind, creating a dynamic front two. This setup could be particularly effective in cup ties or when chasing games, with players like Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton providing midfield support.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite his fit, Ekitike’s signing carries risks. His £86 million price tag is a significant investment for a player with no Premier League experience, and his underwhelming stint at PSG raises questions about his adaptability to high-pressure environments. Additionally, some skepticism exists among fans, with concerns about whether Newcastle would spend such a sum for a backup striker, given Howe’s preference for a single-striker system. The club’s failed attempts to sign Ekitike in 2022, when he rejected moves in favor of PSG, may also linger as a concern.