Coach Eddie Howe may create a formidable attack when Newcastle decide to recruit Hugo Ekitike to pair up with Alexander Isak. The Magpies are trying to complete Eintracht Frankfurt's striker transfer deal ahead of the new season.
Newcastle relied on Isak last season when the Swedish player scored 27 goals and 6 assists. This striker contributed greatly to helping the "Magpies" win the Carabao Cup and finish fifth in the Premier League. Isak has received interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, but now it seems he will stay at St James' Park with a contract until 2028.
And Howe will be hoping to add Ekitike to his squad soon. Newcastle have failed to sign the striker twice in the past, but seem determined to sign the Frenchman. Ekitike contributed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches for Frankfurt last season.
The 23-year-old has been the target of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, but Newcastle are determined to sign him. A source said that Ekitike's representative Ali Barat is trying to complete a £70 million deal.
This will be a record signing for Newcastle, far exceeding Isak's transfer fee, after spending £55 million on Anthony Elanga.
So how will Howe arrange the squad with a series of quality additions?
To maintain the strength of the three-man midfield, the Newcastle coach may use Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the center, supporting the attacking duo Isak and Ekitike.
In this case, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga may be busy on the wings as wing-backs, while Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn play in front of goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Otherwise, the "Magpies" could use a traditional four-man defense. Tino Livramento, Schar, Botman and Hall will be trusted faces.
Tonali and Guimares are likely to keep their positions, while Gordon and Elanga could cross the wings, despite Jacob Murphy's good form last season. Isak and Ekitike could also be given a chance to rotate in attack.
Isak has shown good coordination with Viktor Gyokeres for the Swedish national team, while Ekitike has also proven his flexibility with Omar Marmoush in the first half of the 2024-2025 season.
One final option could be to keep Newcastle's midfield trio. Ekitike and Isak will take advantage of their flexible mobility to take on a striker and a winger position. This will see Gordon and Elanga compete for the final starting spot.
3 ways to arrange Newcastle's expected squad for the 2025-2026 season:
Method 1: Pope, Schar, Botman, Burn, Elanga, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon, Isak, Ekitike.
Method 2: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Botman, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Elanga, Ekitike, Gordon, Isak.
Method 3: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Botman, Hall, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon, Isak, Ekitike.
