7 Reasons Why Newcastle United Could Spend £70 Million on Hugo Ekitike Amid Alexander Isak–Liverpool Dilemma

Seven reasons Newcastle United could spend 75 million on Hugo Eketike whether or not they keep Alexander Isak at the club despite strong competition from Liverpool.

Newcastle United’s transfer window has taken a dramatic twist. Just as they were edging closer to signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee reported to be around £70–75 million, Liverpool entered the scene with an approach for their star striker Alexander Isak. 

The situation has placed the Magpies at a crossroads — keep their proven Premier League hitman or sell for a potentially massive profit and usher in a new era with Ekitike. 

So why are Newcastle still pushing hard to sign the young French forward despite the uncertainty around Isak? Here are seven reasons why this move

makes strategic sense for the Tyneside club.

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Tactical Like-for-Like Profile

Newcastle’s interest in Hugo Ekitike isn’t impulsive. He is seen as a forward whose style closely mirrors Alexander Isak’s. 

Both are tall, elegant, and technically gifted attackers who excel in transitional play and are capable of dropping deep, drifting wide, and initiating moves themselves. 

Ekitike was a key figure in Eintracht Frankfurt’s quick counter-attacking system last season, showcasing his dribbling ability and instinctive movement inside the box. 

Though he is slightly younger and less proven than Isak, stylistically, he ticks almost every box that Eddie Howe demands from his central striker. If Isak were to depart, Newcastle would not be abandoning their tactical structure by bringing in Ekitike — in fact, they’d be reinforcing it.

Massive Financial Upside on Isak Sale

Selling Alexander Isak now would yield an enormous profit. Having joined Newcastle three years ago for a club-record fee, Isak still holds a book value of around £34 million. 

If Newcastle receive the reported £120 million offer from Liverpool, they stand to bank a profit of nearly £80 million even after giving Real Sociedad a cut from the deal. 

Such a sale would immediately strengthen Newcastle’s standing under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), allowing them greater freedom in the transfer market this summer and beyond. 

Unlike a sale made purely out of financial necessity, this would be a strategic windfall that could be reinvested across multiple areas of the squad.

PSR-Friendly Transfer Strategy

Hugo Ekitike’s arrival, even at a hefty price tag of £70–75 million, would be financially manageable due to how transfer amortisation works. 

If Newcastle sign him on a five-year contract, the cost would be spread out over that period, amounting to roughly £16 million per year in the books. When paired with the immediate profit from selling Isak, the net result is a significant positive swing in Newcastle’s financial position. 

In fact, analysts estimate that such a transaction could result in a £63 million improvement to their balance sheet in 2025–26 alone. The flexibility this provides could be crucial for the club’s broader ambitions.

Long-Term Investment in a High-Ceiling Talent

At 23 years old, Ekitike represents a long-term project with a potentially massive upside. While he is not yet the finished article and occasionally struggles with shot selection and decision-making, he has shown flashes of brilliance. 

His blend of height, pace, creativity, and instinct around the box is rare. Newcastle’s persistent interest in him — having previously attempted to sign him on two occasions — reflects their belief that he can be moulded into a top-level forward under Eddie Howe’s system.

 If nurtured correctly, Ekitike could become one of Europe’s most valuable strikers over the next few seasons.

 Better Availability and Injury Profile

Although Alexander Isak has had just one long-term injury in his career, he has missed a number of games over the past two seasons due to recurring groin, hamstring, and toe issues. In total, he missed 107 days and 18 matches in his first season alone.

In contrast, Ekitike has had only one significant injury layoff in his career — a hamstring problem in the 2021–22 season — and has otherwise remained available. Given that Ekitike’s playing minutes have been lower so far, he comes with less wear and tear, which may benefit Newcastle in a season packed with domestic and European commitments.

Opportunity to Reinforce Multiple Positions

Should Newcastle choose to sell Isak and replace him with Ekitike, they would not just break even — they’d be in a position to further strengthen the team. 

The surplus generated from the deal could allow the club to pursue additional signings, particularly in midfield or defence, while remaining compliant with PSR.

 For instance, estimates suggest they could realistically afford two more £50–55 million signings with high wages and still remain in a strong financial position. 

Instead of relying heavily on one star forward, Newcastle would have the resources to build a more balanced and competitive squad.

Planning for Either Scenario

Importantly, Newcastle are not locked into selling Isak. Club insiders have insisted that the intention is to pair Ekitike with Isak — not replace him. 

Such a duo would give Eddie Howe increased tactical flexibility and squad depth, allowing the manager to rotate or even play with two strikers depending on the opponent. 

However, if Isak eventually pushes for a move or if Liverpool come in with a bid too good to turn down, Newcastle would already have a readymade successor in place. 

In either scenario, pursuing Ekitike now ensures the club is prepared for all outcomes without appearing reactive.

The pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, amid swirling rumours of Alexander Isak’s exit, is not a knee-jerk reaction. It’s a calculated, strategic move by Newcastle United that balances tactical continuity, financial prudence, and long-term planning.

Whether Ekitike joins as a strike partner or a successor, the decision to chase his signature underlines the club’s ambition to remain competitive at the highest level — with or without their Swedish star.

If the Magpies play their cards right, this could be the defining move of their summer.