Romano gives Liverpool Isak HOPE as Newcastle eyes €100 million deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

The Magpies are looking for a new striker following Callum Wilson’s departure. However, with Alexander Isak, Newcastle already has one of the best in the business in that position.

This implies Eddie Howe and colleagues may struggle to sign another elite forward unless they can promise consistent minutes.

Surprisingly, Fabrizio Romano believes that the St. James’ Park club remains interested in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Newcastle, but only as a replacement for Isak, not as a backup or partner.

The two strikers are remarkably similar, so it’s no surprise that Ekitike is on Howe’s radar. Despite Romano’s report, it’s tough to envisage Newcastle signing the 23-year-old without trading the Swede.

Is Newcastle opening the door for an Isak sale?

Frankfurt has set a €100 million price tag on Ekitike, and they have made it clear to anyone who would listen that they will not back down from this figure.

There is speculation that Frankfurt would accept a lower initial deal that may increase to €100 million through add-ons, but any conceivable offer would have to meet that very particular sum one way or another.

© IMAGO – Hugo Ekitike

Given that Newcastle have just sealed a €64 million agreement with Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga, it becomes unlikely that they will be able to spend €100 million on Ekitike without a substantial sale.

Chelsea has already backed out of the race to sign Ekitike because to his high cost, and Liverpool will only make a bid if they can raise finances by selling Darwin Nunez. The Reds, of course, are still interested in Isak.

Newcastle are certain that Isak will not leave, but if they believe they can seriously secure a deal for Ekitike, they may be more willing to let go of their star forward, who would undoubtedly fetch a cost in excess of €150 million and give them more market flexibility.

However, selling a top Premier League attacker – and fan favourite – and replacing him with a relatively unknown striker for an eye-watering €100 million would be a significant risk.

‘Next week’: Fabrizio Romano updates on Newcastle United transfer hijack after £21 million deal accepted

AC Milan has accepted a £21 million bid for Newcastle United’s trade target Malick Thiaw.

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Newcastle were connected with the 23-year-old centre-back last summer as Eddie Howe sought to improve his defence.

Since then, the Magpies have failed to sign Marc Guehi and traded Lloyd Kelly to Juventus, making the need for defensive reinforcements even more pressing a year later.

Thiaw has made 85 appearances for AC Milan since joining from Schalke 04 in 2022, scoring once. In September 2023, he played against Newcastle in a 0-0 Champions League draw at the San Siro, but he was unable to play the return leg due to injury.

AC Milan accepts Malick Thiaw’s transfer proposal. 

Thiaw has been widely linked with a move away from Milan this summer, with Serie A club Como having accepted a £21 million deal for the three-time Germany international.

But it was last month, and a deal has yet to be completed, with Thiaw keeping his options open.

Following the ties to Newcastle last summer, the Italian media teased a potential transfer hijack.

Newcastle United transfer hijack?
According to Italian journalist Matteo Morretto, Thiaw is delaying a move to Como in order to compete in a European competition, with Newcastle United mentioned as a possible destination.

AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe after placing ninth in Serie A and runners-up to Bologna in the Coppa Italia. Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas, a former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder, led Como to 10th place, 14 points behind Milan.

Newcastle will play Champions League football again this season, but Eddie Howe has yet to bolster his team this summer.

Moretto told Milan News that as time passes, it becomes more difficult for Thiaw to say yes to Como.

“They tell me that Como is doing everything they can to persuade him, but the German would like to continue playing in a European competition, if feasible.

“There is some admiration from the Premier League. Last year, Newcastle was hunting for Thiaw, and they are still looking for a central defender now.

“So keep an eye on this path, at the moment there is nothing concrete, but I can confirm that Newcastle is also evaluating Thiaw, who, in addition to returning to Germany, would be interested in an experience in the Premier League.”

Eddie Howe comments on Malick Thiaw’s interest.

When asked about Newcastle’s interest in Thiaw last summer, head coach Howe said the defender is ‘a very excellent player’ but did neither confirm or deny it.

“I’m always reluctant to comment on these things [transfer speculation],” Howe remarked when questioned about Thiaw last summer. “He’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Fabrizio Romano delivers an update on Malick Thiaw.

Over the weekend, transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Thiaw’s unclear status.

“Malick Thiaw, expected to make a decision on his future by mid next week with Como waiting for an answer on their proposal,” according to Romano. “The deal between Como and AC Milan for a €25 million [£21 million] package was confirmed two weeks ago. Still up to Malick.”

Despite Thiaw’s clear reluctance to join Como, the final decision will be left to the player, who is available for £21 million. If Newcastle want to make a move, this is a transaction that might be completed swiftly, given the player’s preference to play in the Champions League.

However, Newcastle are currently considering alternative options, with Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi on their radar.