How Newcastle could line up after £125m spree and Alexander Isak transfer call

Eddie Howe may be able to unleash a fearsome new strike force as Newcastle move to sign Hugo Ekitike to play alongside Alexander Isak, rather than replace him. The Magpies are pushing to complete a transfer for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker ahead of a new campaign in the Champions League.

Newcastle relied on Isak for goals last season as the Swede bagged 27 goals and six assists on the way to a fifth place finish and Carabao Cup success. The star striker has drawn links to the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal but for the moment looks set to remain at St James' Park, and is under contract until 2028.

And Howe may soon have Ekitike to add to his ranks. Newcastle have twice failed to land the forward in the past but appear determined to sign the Frenchman who contributed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for Frankfurt last season.

The 23-year-old has been the subject of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, but Newcastle are determined to land him. Reports suggest agent Ali Barat is attempting to finalise a deal worth £70million.

That would make Ekitike Newcastle's record signing, surprassing the fee paid for Isak. And that is after already splashing £55m on Anthony Elanga.

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But how do they all fit into the side? It may provide Howe with an alternative to his preferred 433.

To retain the strength of his midfield three, Newcastle's boss may opt to utilise Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the centre of the pitch to support a front two of Isak and Ekitike. In this instance Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could have a busy time on the flanks as wing-backs while Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn play ahead of Nick Pope.

Otherwise, the Toon could play with a more traditional back four. Tino Livramento is difficult to drop and could take a place on the right of Botman and Schar, with Lews Hall returning from injury to feature on the left, with the capability to step into midfield.

Tonali and Guimares would likely keep their places, and Gordon and Elanga could take their positions out wide, despite Jacob Murphy's good form last season. Isak and Ekitike could then be provided the platform to alternate between leading the line and dropping deeper.

Isak has shown the ability to operate with Viktor Gyokeres on international duty for Sweden, while Ekitike showed flexibility with Omar Marmoush in the first half of 2024/25.

A final alternative could see Newcastle's midfield three retained, with Ekitike and Isak using their movement to play between forward roles and a position out wide. That would see Gordon and Elanga battling for the final spot in the XI.

Newcastle 1: Pope; Schar, Botman, Burn; Elanga, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon; Isak, Ekitike.

Newcastle 2: Pope; Liveramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali; Elanga, Ekitike, Gordon; Isak.

Newcastle 3: Pope; Liveramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Gordon, Isak, Ekitike.

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