Should Newcastle Sell Alexander Isak Amid Hugo Ekitike Pursuit?
Newcastle United is facing a decision regarding their strikers. The club is reportedly working on a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike for around €75 million. They aim to have both Ekitike and their current star striker, Alexander Isak, as options for the upcoming season when they will compete in the Champions League.
Liverpool has shown interest in Isak, although no formal offer has been made yet. The Premier League champions have expressed a desire to do business with Newcastle for a fee of approximately £120 million.
Isak's preference regarding a potential transfer is unknown. If he decides to leave, it could create challenges for Newcastle. However, if the Swedish international, who has been with the club for three years, chooses to stay, it would alleviate the pressure for a sale.
Newcastle is now faced with a dilemma. They must decide whether to keep Isak and bring in Ekitike as planned, hold onto Isak risking losing out on Ekitike to other clubs, or sell Isak to facilitate the Ekitike transfer and other summer business.
A group of reporters from The Athletic analyzed the situation and discussed the potential impact of selling Isak and signing Ekitike across various categories including on-field performance, financial aspects, perception, and availability.
Isak is known for his unique qualities as a center-forward, combining height, power, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. On the other hand, Ekitike, at 23 years old, offers a similar playing style in the No. 9 role. He excels in carrying the ball and was a key player for Frankfurt in the previous season.
Stylistically, Ekitike's playing style aligns well with Newcastle's quick transition approach and defensive philosophy. However, there are concerns about his shot selection and finishing, indicating that he is still developing as a player.
Financially, selling Isak for a significant fee and signing Ekitike could provide Newcastle with a substantial profit and financial flexibility. The potential sale of Isak and acquisition of Ekitike would impact the club's financial position positively, allowing them to invest in other areas of the squad.
Despite the interest in Ekitike, Newcastle remains committed to keeping Isak and potentially having both strikers in their squad. The club's stance is that Isak is not for sale, and they are hopeful of securing a new contract with him. Unless Isak pushes for a transfer, negotiations with Liverpool or any other club are not imminent.
Isak has a history of minor injuries, while Ekitike has experienced fewer injury concerns but with less playing time compared to Isak. The decision regarding the strikers will have implications for Newcastle's squad composition and future performance in the upcoming season.