Liverpool and Newcastle Locked in Striker Tug-of-War as Ekitike Saga Heats Up
The developing transfer duel between Liverpool and Newcastle over elite striker options has become an unexpected and thrilling subplot in this summer’s window.
While Arsenal methodically navigate their own No.9 pursuit and Manchester United fumble with the ongoing Bryan Mbeumo saga, Newcastle’s surprise £70 million offer for Hugo Ekitike has sent shockwaves through the market. This bold move has not only reignited interest in the Eintracht Frankfurt star but has also ramped up pressure on Liverpool as the Premier League heavyweights battle for firepower—with Alexander Isak also a major piece in this high-stakes puzzle.
With all the twists and potential outcomes, we’ve identified six possible scenarios—each as dramatic or amusing as the next.
1. Ekitike Joins Newcastle
Newcastle’s bid may suggest they’re preparing for life without Isak, despite publicly framing Ekitike as a rotational or complementary forward. With both players being top-dollar centre-forwards, questions naturally arise—especially considering the club’s aging backline and looming PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) concerns.
Still, the thought of Ekitike and Isak together, possibly in a rare two-striker system, gives nostalgic fans flashbacks to the glory days of 90s football. Whether that’s realistic or not, it certainly adds spice to Newcastle’s planning.
2. Ekitike to Newcastle, Isak to Liverpool
Should Ekitike land at St. James’ Park, it could pave the way for Isak to move to Anfield. While the Swedish striker isn’t reportedly pushing for a transfer, Liverpool’s recent Premier League title and Champions League ambitions might prove too tempting to ignore.
Isak leading Liverpool’s line in that dynamic system? Mouthwatering. Watching Ekitike attempt to fill his shoes in the North East? Equally compelling.
3. Ekitike Chooses Liverpool
This scenario now appears the most likely. According to trusted sources, Liverpool are “advancing” in talks with Ekitike, and Frankfurt insiders claim the striker prefers a move to Merseyside—no surprise given Liverpool’s stature.
Interestingly, Newcastle’s interest seems to have “cooled” in recent days, hinting that their initial bid may have been more of a strategic decoy than a serious attempt to sign the player.
A Transfer Drama Worth Watching
Whether it’s Ekitike to Liverpool or Newcastle, Isak staying or leaving, or a total curveball, this developing saga has all the ingredients of a classic football transfer thriller—ambition, rivalry, mind games, and big money. And regardless of the outcome, it’s great entertainment for neutral fans and a rollercoaster for those directly involved.
Newcastle Pivot to Wissa as Ekitike Saga Twists Again – And Chelsea Loom Large
Newcastle have now shifted their focus to Yoane Wissa, a more affordable and seemingly better-suited option to play behind Alexander Isak—rather than a marquee signing frustrated by a secondary role. That pivot could inadvertently derail Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, adding a layer of unintended chaos to an already tangled transfer web.
In truth, Newcastle probably never expected their £70 million bid to land Hugo Ekitike, given that Frankfurt value him closer to £86 million—and especially not with Liverpool sniffing around. The whole situation is starting to look like a masterstroke designed less to secure Ekitike, and more to nudge Liverpool into action while quietly cementing Isak’s future at St. James’ Park. Clever.
Chelsea Enter the Chat
Now, the tables may be turning again. Reports on Wednesday night suggested that Newcastle have been “forced to accelerate” their pursuit of Ekitike amid growing signals that Chelsea—despite being well-stocked up front—are ready to crash the party.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that Chelsea’s striker surplus never stops them from adding one more. And while Liverpool have looked sharp and efficient in this window, the idea of them getting pipped to Ekitike by Chelsea—just as Newcastle hold firm on keeping Isak—adds a much-needed dose of drama to what was starting to look like a worryingly smooth summer for Arne Slot’s squad.
