2 months ago
34
All valued at €50m or less
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Newcastle, Liverpool, and the pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké has dominated the headlines in recent days. First, reports emerged of the Magpies interest in the French, Bundesliga forward, before the news broke that Liverpool had sounded out the St James' Park club about the availability of star striker Alexander Isak. The Reds reportedly had enquired about the Swede's availability and indicated they were willing to fork out a Premier League-record €138m for his services. And if he was not for sale, they would pursue Newcastle target Ekitiké instead. It now appears that Arne Slot's teams are the front-runners for Ekitiké's signature, with the 23-year-old favouring them over a move to the North East.
So with Newcastle's deal for the Frankfurt striker now looking all but off, who should Eddie Howe's team turn to to aid Isak up front? The club have already let go of forward Callum Wilson, who had served as Isak's back-up previously. With Champions League commitments next term, they now want some solid back-up, and someone who can ease the burden on the Swedish striker, whilst adding something different to Newcastle's attack. With this in mind, here at Transfermarkt, we have picked out five Ekitiké alternatives Newcastle could target this summer. We have only included player's with a market value of €50m or less.
Five alternative strikers Newcastle could sign this summer
Yoane Wissa - Brentford
One of the strikers most heavily linked with Newcastle following the Ekitiké news, has been Brentford's Yoane Wissa. According to The Athletic, the Magpies are exploring a move to sign Wissa from Brentford. There is thought to have been no contact between the clubs yet, but that's expected soon, although the Congolese forward's availability & price may depend on Bryan Mbeumo's move to Manchester United. Wissa is the Bees' all-time top Premier League scorer (45 goals), and he scored 19 goals in the English top-flight last term. The 28-year-old has a market value of €32m, and could provide a good back-up to Isak, whilst also being capable of operating from a wider role.
Samu Aghehowa - Porto
An alternative younger option, who could provide competition for the present and promise for the future, could be Porto striker Samu Aghehowa. The Spanish forward moved from Atlético Madrid to Portugal last summer for €32m, and bagged 19 goals in 30 matches in Liga Portugal. At just 21 years of age, he has plenty of time to improve. Right now he is something of a raw talent. However, Aghehowa could prove to be a wise investment for the Magpies, and his pure power and physicality could offer different qualities to Isak's elegance.
Gonçalo Ramos - PSG
Another striker who could be available this summer is PSG's Gonçalo Ramos. The Portuguese no.9 fell out of favour last season under Luis Enrique, with the Spaniard preferring to play winger Ousmane Dembélé as a 'false nine'. Ramos started just 12 games for PSG in Ligue 1 last term, but still managed 10 goals, and has undoubted quality. He possesses good pace and finishing, and could add Champions League experience to Howe's frontline.
Vangelis Pavlidis - Benfica
Benfica's Greek no.9 Vangelis Pavlidis could also be an option to explore for Newcastle this summer. The 26-year-old scored 19 league goals last season, as well as seven in 12 games in the Champions League. At 1.86 metres, he is strong in the air and something of a traditional striker. He could be seen as the ideal man to aid Isak in certain game-states, whilst also offering something different to the Magpies squad.
Mika Biereth - Monaco
Former Arsenal academy forward Mika Biereth enjoyed a superb 2024/25 campaign. After bagging goals in Austria to help Sturm Graz eventually win the title, he joined Ligue 1 side Monaco last January and continued where he left off. Following his move to the south of France, Biereth scored 13 goals in 19 games. He would most likely welcome a return to English football at some point in his career and would likely be happy to play second fiddle to Isak. A potential frugal alternative for Newcastle to look at.
