Newcastle United are finalising a £70 million deal that could hand Liverpool a huge boost in their chase for ‘dream signing’ Alexander Isak.
The Premier League champions Liverpool find themselves navigating a crucial summer in the transfer market, with multiple striker stories unfolding simultaneously. Both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez appear to have uncertain futures at Anfield, but it’s another transfer move from Premier League rivals Newcastle that could potentially unlock the Reds biggest transfer of the summer.
Liverpool have identified Alexander Isak as their preferred replacement should Darwin Nunez leave. The talented Swedish striker has impressed at Newcastle since his arrival in 2022, scoring 54 goals in 86 Premier League appearances, including a 23-goal haul last season.
Newcastle, eager to strengthen their own squad, are now finalising a £70 million deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike after talks in Germany. The highly-rated French forward has been a long-term target for Eddie Howe and the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle had been “working on the deal” to sign Hugo Ekitike and now it appears they have made a decisive move.
This is alarm bells for Liverpool. Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike indicates they may be preparing for Isak’s departure, potentially paving the way for Liverpool’s record-breaking move.
Hugo Ekitike’s transfer saga to Newcastle has been dragging on for several years, previously failing to sign the young French striker after agreeing a fee with Stade de Reims in 2022, only for Ekitike to choose PSG instead, and then trying again last summer when he joined Eintracht Frankfurt for around £14.3 million.
Now, with Newcastle making a third approach for the 23-year-old, it seems the Magpies are determined to finally land the striker they’ve long coveted.
Super agent Ali Barat is currently in Newcastle to finalise the Hugo Ekitike deal. Around 80m euros for the French striker from Frankfurt who had a great last season in the Bundesliga. @ESPNFC
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) July 14, 2025
Ekitike currently has four years left on his deal at the Waldstadion, meaning whichever club does sign him will be committing a large part of their summer budget. Although reports claim that Newcastle currently view Ekitike as a striker who could play alongside the Swede at Newcastle, Graeme Bailey has suggested he could be a potential replacement as well.
“Newcastle are doing work on potential replacements for Isak too, and Ekitike is one of them. Liverpool know the striker market well, and Ekitike is one who has impressed them. They are happy to wait to hear news on their dream target Alexander Isak.”
Isak’s profile fits Liverpool’s desire for a technically gifted, young, and proven Premier League level striker. His pace, movement, and goal-scoring record with Newcastle have made him one of the hottest properties in the league.
However, signing the 25-year-old would require a record-breaking fee. The Swedish forward’s asking price could challenge or exceed previous Premier League transfer records, which signals the club’s seriousness about going all-in to bolster their attack. Isak would not only replace Nunez, but also send a clear message of intent that Liverpool remain committed to competing on all fronts after clinching the Premier League title last season under Slot.
The No. 9 market this summer is one of the most expensive and competitive in recent memory. Aside from Liverpool and Newcastle, clubs like Chelsea have also expressed interest in young forwards such as Ekitike, while Newcastle’s failure to re-sign Callum Wilson after contract disagreements has intensified their hunt for attacking reinforcements.
For Liverpool, this means the market will be reactive and highly competitive. Any sign of movement by Newcastle on Ekitike could spur Liverpool into making a definitive offer for Isak before rivals step in.
If Liverpool secure him it would mark a statement signing for the Premier League champions, signaling their intent to remain dominant in England and Europe. But for now, Fabrizio Romano’s grounded take remains relevant.
“Isak would be a statement signing, no doubt. But unless there’s a twist, this story feels more like summer wishful thinking than a likely blockbuster — at least for now.”
With the summer transfer window heating up, all eyes will remain on Anfield and St James’ Park as these intertwined striker sagas continue to unfold.
