Newcastle United are trying to complete a major deal, as they aim to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a club record fee.
Alexander Isak is currently Newcastle United’s most expensive signing, but that will change if Ekitike joins him at St James’ Park.
Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle are prepared to pay more than £70million for Ekitike, as they step up their quest to sign a new striker.
As the Magpies attempt to sign the French forward, Geordie Boot Boys look at the potential winners and losers if a deal does go through.
- Who is Hugo Ekitike? Meet the striker who could become Newcastle United’s record signing
The winners if Newcastle United break their transfer record on Hugo Ekitike
Eddie Howe
If Newcastle United sign Ekitike, the biggest winner is Eddie Howe. After signing Elanga, it emerged that Newcastle’s next priority is a striker.
The club are now moving fast to make that happen, with Howe eager to add players to his Newcastle United squad that improve his starting XI. Ekitike does exactly that, with the club boasting plans for him to play alongside Isak at St James’ Park.
After their recent struggles in the transfer market, Howe will be absolutely delighted if the club get this deal over the line.
- Who is Eddie Howe? The heroic manager who finally brought a trophy back to Newcastle United
Alexander Isak
Signing Ekitike would also be good news for Isak, as he desperately needs more competition and cover through the middle. That is even more true following Callum Wilson’s Newcastle United exit.
With Champions League football back on Tyneside, the Magpies are going to have even more matches this season. Isak cannot start every week, so it is vital that someone comes in who can share the load.
Ekitike will do that, while it will also give Isak the chance to play alongside another striker. That has to be appealing to Isak, who previously looked excellent when deployed next to Wilson.
- Who is Alexander Isak? Newcastle United’s sensational striker who has done something Shearer couldn’t
Steve Nickson
Newcastle United signing Ekitike will be a win for Steve Nickson, who is the club’s head of recruitment.
Nickson tried to sign the Frenchman in 2022, with Newcastle identifying a player with immense potential. Sadly, they were unable to bring him to St James’ Park.
Fast forward three years and Nickson has another chance to sign Ekitike. There will be delight if a deal goes through, with Nickson regaining power within Newcastle United following Paul Mitchell’s departure.
Who the losers could be if Hugo Ekitike signs for Newcastle United
Will Osula
Should Newcastle bring Ekitike to the club, that will limit the prospect of Will Osula featuring more regularly next season.
Osula has certainly improved at Newcastle, but it is a big ask for him to be Isak’s main deputy. That is why Newcastle are trying to sign a striker, with Ekitike currently the frontrunner to arrive.
Whether or not Ekitike signing makes a loan exit for Osula more likely remains to be seen.
- Who is William Osula? Get to know the rapid Newcastle United striker who is quickly becoming a cult hero
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
One man who will probably not join Newcastle United if Ekitike arrives is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
He is a free agent, and Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle have spoken to Calvert-Lewin about a move to the North East.
However, Calvert-Lewin to Newcastle is unlikely if Ekitike joins. There would be no need for the former Everton forward, while he would be better off going elsewhere and playing regularly.
Joelinton
Newcastle want to play Isak and Ekitike together, which hints at a change of formation for the Magpies. They will either play a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2.
Either way, Newcastle United’s midfield three could become a midfield two. That would be bad news for Joelinton, as there is no chance that Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali are going to drop to the bench.
Joelinton does have the luxury of being able to play out wide too, but that would see him compete with Anthony Gordon and new signing Anthony Elanga.
If Ekitike joins, Joelinton’s place in the Newcastle United starting XI will no longer be guaranteed.
The post Winners and losers if Newcastle United sign Hugo Ekitike including Joelinton and Steve Nickson appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.