Newcastle United chiefs privately fuming after ‘leaked’ information at St James’ Park…
Not a lot has gone Newcastle United’s way in the transfer market so far this summer.
It has been a difficult transfer window, with various key targets passing Newcastle United by, much to the frustration of Eddie Howe.
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Newcastle did sign Anthony Elanga, but he is the only new face to be added to the Magpies’ squad. It is a squad that is actually weaker, with Sean Longstaff joining Leeds United.
But Newcastle have tried to strengthen, and have been led to believe that deals were possible.
Hugo Ekitike is unveiled as a Liverpool player after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt.
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Newcastle United not happy Hugo Ekitike information was leaked
That was seemingly the case with Hugo Ekitike, who almost became Newcastle’s most expensive signing. Instead, Ekitike has joined Liverpool for around £79million. Once the Reds stepped up their interest, a move to Anfield was the only outcome.
The move has been met with frustration on Tyneside, as Toon officials had felt confident about landing the Frenchman.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle United were frustrated that details of their pursuit of Ekitike were leaked into the public domain.
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The Athletic add that Liverpool insist they did not hijack Newcastle’s move for the attacker, having made contact with the player’s camp in January. Arne Slot also spoke to Ekitike about joining the Reds earlier in the year.
Newcastle United thought £70m was enough to sign Hugo Ekitike
There was a point that Newcastle United really did feel as if the 23-year-old was bound for Tyneside.
The Athletic add that Newcastle had received encouragement that they were offering enough to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Magpies proposed a deal worth around £70million, which was ultimately rejected by the Bundesliga club.
Toon officials felt they had been misled, as Liverpool entered the picture. That resulted in the Magpies walking away and Liverpool finalising a deal.
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It is another transfer disappointment for Newcastle, but the only saving grace will be if it results in Alexander Isak remaining at St James’ Park. He was Liverpool’s top target ahead of Ekitike.
Despite the Ekitike deal, the Isak speculation refuses to go away. In fact, it has only intensified with Isak open to leaving Newcastle this summer.
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