Newcastle leave Hugo Ekitike talks to work on new striker target - Fabrizio Romano

For the second time in three years, we're in the middle of another big Hugo Ekitike saga.

Only this time, it involves Liverpool, their not-so-subtle desire to sign Alexander Isak instead, an ongoing game of cat and mouse, along with Ekitike's selling club, Frankurt.

This morning, the Liverpool media spin has been in full force, with Sky Germany and Fabrizio Romano stating that Liverpool are now 'ready' to advance their move for Ekitike - but they've still not bid.

Newcastle's response? According to Fabrizio Romano, we'll leave them to it in a bid to call their bluff.

Romano reports in the last few moments that we've walked away from talks to sigh the Frankfurt striker and are now working on a deal to sign another unnamed forward after Frankfurt rejected our £70m bid on Monday.

He states that Ekitike to Newcastle is 'off at this stage' and it feels to me like a clear move from Newcastle, who are testing whether Liverpool will REALLY move for the Frenchman.

Spend £75m+ on Ekitike and Liverpool wave goodbye to their hopes of landing the man they really want: Alexander Isak.

The media will claim a big, bold 'power play' from Liverpool, but the reality is (if Liverpool really do go ahead and sign Ekitike) is we will come away with the better striker.

🚨🇫🇷 Understand Newcastle have now already left talks for Hugo Ekitike, deal considered off at this stage.#NUFC now focus on different targets as since Monday bid got rejected, Liverpool entered race + there were no advances with the Magpies.

Liverpool are now advancing 🔴👀 pic.twitter.com/zXiITtMPhx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2025