Liverpool's Domino Effect on Newcastle

LIVERPOOL, FRIDAY — Newcastle United once dreamed of bringing in talented striker Hugo Ekitike to partner with Alexander Isak. However, that dream was abruptly shattered by Liverpool, which presented Newcastle with a dilemma regarding their striker options.

Liverpool, according to The Athletic, officially made an 80 million euro (Rp 1.51 trillion) bid for Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday (July 17, 2025) WIB. Liverpool's move comes just two days after Newcastle's 75 million euro bid was rejected by Frankfurt.

Ekitike is not actually a priority for Liverpool in this summer's transfer window. Their main target is Isak, the star striker from Newcastle. Liverpool is using their interest in Ekitike as a bargaining tool to secure Isak.

According to a report by transfer specialist journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool had prepared a package worth 120 million euros (Rp 2.27 trillion) for Isak. If Isak is allowed to leave by Newcastle, Liverpool will cease their approach for Eketike. The same applies in reverse. Newcastle is presented with a dilemma.

Newcastle is forced to choose between losing Isak or the prospective new striker. They apparently prefer to retain Isak, who has already proven himself in the Premier League. Ekitike, therefore, has to be let go. Newcastle is reluctant to engage in a price war with Liverpool over the 23-year-old forward.

The preferences of Isak and Ekitike also play a role in determining the direction of the transfer. Isak, who is still under contract for three more years at Newcastle, is not considering a move. Ekitike is more interested in transferring to Liverpool, which was the best club in England last season.

As a result, both Liverpool and Newcastle failed to secure their primary striker targets. Liverpool's chance of acquiring Isak has closed, while Newcastle must let go of Ekitike. They immediately shifted their focus to their second targets.

Reluctant to engage in a price war with Liverpool, Newcastle has shifted its focus to Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. Wissa's price is more affordable as he has only one year left on his contract with Brentford. Wissa's performance last season was quite impressive, with a total of 19 goals in the Premier League.

On social media, many parties are speculating about Newcastle's brilliant strategy. They are considered to be using Ekitike merely as bait. The aim is to prompt Liverpool to make a move in the transfer market and forget about Isak. However, this has not been substantiated by Newcastle's latest movements.

The team coached by Eddie Howe indeed requires an additional striker to serve as a backup or to partner with Isak. Wissa has become an alternative option. Furthermore, Howe had mentioned at the end of last season that Newcastle would be very active in this transfer market.

In reality, Newcastle has only brought in winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. "Only a few have arrived. Of course, we are pleased with Elanga's arrival, but we still have a lot to do for the new season," said Howe in the club's official broadcast.

The change in targets for Liverpool and Newcastle will impact the plans of each team. If they acquire Isak, coach Arne Slot will almost certainly position the striker as the main spearhead of the team. A similar plan is highly risky if implemented with Ekitike.

Ekitike is still "raw" and lacks experience in the English League. He has also not proven capable of consistently scoring goals at the highest level. Ekitike has only scored double-digit goals in domestic leagues twice throughout his career, one of which was last season in the German League (15 goals).

The situation for Ekitike is actually more suitable for Newcastle. Not only can he partner in the front line, but the French player can also be directly mentored by Isak. They can complement each other. Isak brings maturity, while Ekitike brings the fiery enthusiasm of youth.

For Newcastle, the prospects regarding Ekitike and Wissa are also very different. Ekitike still has the potential to improve significantly over the next few seasons, unlike Wissa, who is already 28 years old. Meanwhile, Isak is still younger than Wissa, at 25 years old.

On the other hand, Newcastle's change in targets could impact Manchester United. As is known, MU is currently working to finalize a transfer agreement with Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo. They have been negotiating since before the transfer window opened at the beginning of July.

The problem, according to Sky Sports, is that Brentford are unlikely to want to sell both strikers at once. Their preferred option is to let Mbeumo or Wissa leave. The two players contributed a combined 39 league goals last season, or nearly 60 percent of Brentford's total.