After missing their long-term goals, Newcastle United will look for alternative options in the transfer window this summer.
Xipies would love to bring in Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, which the French think is a perfect addition to their offensive team.
However, Liverpool hijacked the move and is now expected to sign the 23-year-old in a deal, ultimately worth a £69 million fixed fee.
The Reds earlier tested Newcastle’s determination with the £120 million Alexander Isak, which was rejected.
Newcastle hopes to sign the Ekitike alternative
In response, Newcastle turned its attention to Yoane Wissa in Brentford, and Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealed that the £25 million bid had been rejected. The notes will be returned with an additional order of £30 million.
As an alternative, they could have Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani on loan at Juventus last season.
“Newcastle United were involved in the conversation, and I think it seems they are the most likely destinations for Kolo Muani at the moment,” reporter Duncan Castles said of the Football Transmission podcast.
Further reports were further reported that PSG asked the 25-year-old forward to demand €50 million (£44 million) and that they have failed to meet the asking price so far, although Juventus hopes to make the deal permanent.
This opened the door for Newcastle.
Comparison between Kolo Muani and Hugo Ekitike
On paper, Kolo Muani and Ekitike seem to be similar to the replacement: the young French striker who fought briefly for a few minutes under PSG’s Christophe Galtier.
However, their contrasting styles offer very different advantages, which explains Newcastle’s hub.
Kolo Muani is about direct. He is good at running in the back, attacking space, and staying calm.
His efficiency stands out, with XG netting 14 goals with 11.2 goals and his shooting percentage is 44.6%, better than Ekitike’s 39.7%.
Although he played less than Ekitike last season, he was a keen presence whenever he was on the court.
By contrast, Ekitike brings more creativity and skills.
He scored 22 goals from XG of 24.6, but also contributed a lot in the accumulating game: 17.2 times Muani’s 11.7 pass, with a progressive pass distance of 43.2 meters per 90 meters – far higher than Muani’s 27.5.
Ekitike also posted better numbers in shooting action (3.49 vs. 2.31), takeaway (1.89 vs. 1.51), and touched in third place in offense (20.6 vs. 16.0).
Ekitike is a more technical and competitive move forward, while Kolo Muani is a more explosive, target-centric attacker.
This difference is crucial when viewed through Eddie Howe’s Newcastle-style lens.
Indeed, Newcastle thrives with speed, strength and transition. They often want to quickly release broad players like Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy and create space in concentration through dynamic running.
Kolo Muani is perfect for this system. His instinctive exercise and clinical margins provide a natural complement to ISAK and even provides alternatives rather than direct copies.
The above castle points out that the style is with Isak, “It makes you wonder what Isak is similar to Kolo Muani, which makes you wonder what is going on in Isak.”
While Newcastle insists that Isak is not for sale, interest in Muani shows that Howe may be looking for someone to relieve the burden of No. 14 and may even compete directly with him.
Crucially, Kolo Muani may also be possible. His price is £44 million, which is much cheaper than Ekitike.
He will arrive after a strong season with analyst Zach Lowry being described as “absolutely incredible” and has shown that he can adapt to different systems and leagues.
Losing on Ekitike May Sting, but at Kolo Muani, Newcastle might secure a striker who is not only affordable, but arguably more suitable for their tactical needs.
He may not be a replacement, but he may be the kind of signing that rolls Newcastle’s momentum.
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