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<p>Is an €80 million offer on the way?</p>
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<p><img alt="Ekitiké's Role with Isak: Previewing Newcastle's Lineup This Season" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/ekitike-and-isak-spotlight-1752587610-172455.png" title="Ekitiké's Role with Isak: Previewing Newcastle's Lineup This Season"></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Newcastle</span> are certainly making strategic moves this summer. After securing Nottingham Forest winger <span>Anthony Elanga</span> for €61.4 million, the St James' Park team is reportedly gearing up for a significant bid for <span>Eintracht Frankfurt</span> striker <span>Hugo Ekitiké</span>. As reported by <span>BBC</span>, acquiring the 23-year-old could exceed €80 million, which would establish him as Newcastle's most expensive signing, eclipsing the €70 million they paid for <span>Alexander Isak</span> in 2022. Should Newcastle successfully navigate this bold endeavor, how might Ekitiké integrate into <span>Eddie Howe's</span> squad this season?</p>
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<p><img alt="Isak and Ekitiké in a 4-4-2 Formation" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/isak-and-ekitike-4-4-2-1752587559-172454.png?lm=1752587569" title="Isak and Ekitiké in a 4-4-2 Formation" width="503"></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><span>Could Ekitiké Partner with Isak Up Front?</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>While Ekitiké is primarily viewed as a No. 9, he is capable of functioning in a strike partnership. Before <span>Omar Marmoush</span> transferred to Manchester City in January, he formed a dynamic duo with Ekitiké at Frankfurt. In addition to his scoring ability, Ekitiké exhibits notable mobility, chasing down defenders and making runs into space. This is reflected in his record of 14 assists across 64 games for Frankfurt, alongside his commendable goal tally.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Consequently, Ekitiké could support Isak as a second striker, enabling Howe to possibly deploy a traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Elanga and <span>Anthony Gordon</span> occupying the wings and the energetic midfield pairing of <span>Bruno Guimarães</span> and <span>Sandro Tonali</span> in central roles. This could evolve into a more fluid 4-2-3-1 setup, allowing Ekitiké to exploit spaces in the final third while working off Isak—a tactic that might effectively balance Newcastle's talented roster while ensuring a solid defensive structure.</span></p>
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<p><img alt="Ekitiké and Isak in a 3-5-2 Formation" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/ekitike-isak-3-5-2-1752587507-172453.png?lm=1752587518" title="Ekitiké and Isak in a 3-5-2 Formation" width="503"></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><span>How Howe Might Adjust His Formation for Ekitiké</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Of course, Howe isn't bound to a conventional 4-4-2. Last season, Newcastle often used a back four, but Howe also experimented with a back three in several matches. During these trials, players like <span>Jacob Murphy</span> took on more industrious roles on the wing, a strategy he could replicate next season with Gordon and Elanga. Although Gordon is more of a traditional winger, he shows remarkable tenacity, while new acquisition Elanga has past experience as a right-sided wing-back.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>This formation could allow Howe to include <span>Joelinton</span> in the starting lineup, maintaining a strong midfield trio with the aforementioned players, while establishing a robust defensive framework with three central defenders. Perhaps more crucially, this configuration would grant Isak and Ekitiké the liberty to function as classic center forwards, forging a traditional striker partnership in the coming season.</span></p>
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<p><img alt="Ekitiké as Isak's Replacement in Newcastle's XI" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/ekitike-replacing-isak-newcastle-xi-1752587444-172452.png?lm=1752587457" title="Ekitiké as Isak's Replacement in Newcastle's XI" width="503"></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><span>Is Ekitiké the Future Replacement for Isak?</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Another avenue for Ekitiké's integration into Newcastle's squad could stir concerns among fans. While Ekitiké can certainly partner with Isak, some supporters worry that he might be viewed as a long-term replacement should the talisman be sold this summer. Reports indicate that Isak is not on the market and would not need to be transferred to accommodate Ekitiké’s considerable fee. Nonetheless, the tight margins by which Newcastle have skirted Premier League PSR regulations may suggest other possibilities. Recently, <span>The Athletic</span> noted Liverpool's interest in acquiring the 25-year-old.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>If Newcastle fans’ worst fears come to pass, they might take comfort in Ekitiké’s capabilities to fill Isak’s shoes. Having performed as a lone striker for Frankfurt last season, Ekitiké showcases the speed, strength, and determination necessary to lead the line effectively. His ideal playing position aligns closely with that of Isak, making him an apt candidate to succeed Newcastle’s star forward.</span></p>
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