Newcastle have made a final decision over the future of Liverpool target Alexander Isak after opening talks to sign Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt, it has been reported.
Newcastle’s Position on Alexander Isak Transfer to Liverpool Revealed Amid Major Bid for Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle United have reportedly made a clear decision regarding the future of star striker Alexander Isak, amid Liverpool’s interest and as the club pushes forward with a major bid for Hugo Ekitike.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle are preparing a €75 million (approximately £65 million) offer for Ekitike, currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt and representing France at the international level.
Ekitike, 23, had an underwhelming stint at PSG but enjoyed a breakout season in Germany, scoring 22 goals and attracting interest from top clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Barcelona. However, he now appears close to sealing a move to St. James’ Park.
While the transfer isn’t finalized yet, the development has raised questions about the future of Alexander Isak—especially with Liverpool reportedly keen on signing the Swedish forward.
However, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has clarified that Ekitike is not being brought in to replace Isak. Instead, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe envisions both strikers playing together, aiming to strengthen his attacking options rather than reshuffle them.
This signals Newcastle’s ambition to build a more formidable front line, rather than cashing in on one of their most prized assets.
Should Newcastle succeed in pairing Alexander Isak with Hugo Ekitike, it could form one of the Premier League’s most formidable attacking duos—and effectively shut the door on Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak, forcing the Reds to explore alternative targets.
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have already taken steps in that direction. The club’s recruitment officials reportedly held talks in Paris with the representatives of Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The 28-year-old has undergone a major resurgence under Palace boss Oliver Glasner, netting 30 Premier League goals over the past two campaigns. His improved form hasn’t gone unnoticed at the international level either—Mateta featured for France as an over-age player in the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring five goals in six matches to help Thierry Henry’s squad secure a silver medal.
With Newcastle firm on retaining Isak, Mateta may now be viewed as a serious alternative for Liverpool as they look to reinforce their front line ahead of the new season.
Reports suggest that Mateta could be available for a fee in the region of £45–£50 million, making him a significantly more affordable option than Alexander Isak.
Liverpool have already made a major statement in the transfer market by breaking their club-record fee to land Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, the arrivals of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have pushed the club’s total summer outlay well beyond the £150 million mark.
