Newcastle have reportedly reached a final decision regarding Alexander Isak’s future amid interest from Liverpool, as they enter advanced talks to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle are preparing a €75 million (approximately £65 million) offer for Ekitike, who plays internationally for France. The 23-year-old struggled during his time at PSG but impressed last season with 22 goals for Frankfurt, attracting attention from top European clubs.
Ekitike had been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Barcelona, but now seems poised to join Newcastle, despite being under contract until 2029. While the deal isn’t finalized, it’s expected to influence Isak’s status at the club.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reports that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe doesn’t intend for Ekitike to replace Isak. Instead, he wants both strikers to form a partnership up front, potentially creating one of the league’s most formidable attacking duos — and forcing Liverpool to seek alternatives.
As a result, Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. French outlet Foot Mercato claims the club’s transfer officials recently met with his representatives in Paris.
Mateta, 28, has scored 30 Premier League goals over the past two seasons and was a standout performer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, netting five times in six games as France claimed silver.
He is believed to be available for around £45–50 million — significantly less than Isak’s valuation.
Liverpool have already spent over £150 million this summer, including breaking their transfer record for Florian Wirtz, and signing Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
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