Overview

• Newcastle lodged €75 million plus €5 million in bonuses as an opening bid to sign Ekitiké as a strike partner for Alexander Isak.
• Sporting director Markus Krösche has asserted that Frankfurt will only accept an offer meeting the full €100 million valuation.
• Despite mutual interest, neither club has engaged in formal discussions, leaving the transfer in its opening phase.
• Ekitiké’s 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches last season underpin the high market price.
• UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions mean Newcastle must weigh its budget before attempting to bridge the €25 million valuation gap.