Borussia Dortmund need to replace Erling Haaland – but target Hugo Ekitike instead looks set to join Newcastle United this summer.
Dortmund have made a blistering start to the summer transfer window before it’s even been opened.
Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule and Freiburg centre back Nico Schlotterbeck have already agreed to join Dortmund.
Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Marcel Lotka is arriving too whilst RB Salzburg wonderkid Karim Adeyemi has secured his move.
Dortmund need to close the gap to Bayern Munich and this recruitment drive has been perfect – but they now need to replace Erling Haaland’s goals.
Borussia Dortmund need to replace Erling Haaland
Haaland is leaving Dormund this summer in order to sign for Manchester City.
City are paying £51million for Haaland having activated his release clause, whilst he will pick up £375,000-a-week in wages too.
This is a huge capture for City but an enormous blow for Dortmund.
Haaland racked up 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund, including one in his final appearance for the club against Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
Dortmund will hope to see Adeyemi rack up the goals whilst progress from Donyell Malen would be welcomed.
Dortmund may though need to bring in another striker – and Reims star Ekitike is a prime target.
Ekitike hailed as ‘exciting’ – but he could join Newcastle, not Dortmund
Dortmund’s outgoing CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has told Suddeutsche Zeitung that he thinks Reims starlet Ekitike is an ‘exciting’ talent ahead of a potential Dortmund bid.
However, it looks like Dortmund will be missing out on a deal for Ekitike this summer.
90Min claim that Newcastle United are now confident of signing Ekitike.
Newcastle chased Ekitike in January but couldn’t get a deal done.
It’s now suggested that Ekitike wants to join Newcastle, possibly on loan with a mandatory purchase clause included.
Ekitike, 19, has hit nine goals and three assists in 22 games for Reims this season.
Backed to become a star of the future, Ekitike could end up being at Haaland’s level one day.
That’s why Dortmund fancy him, but Newcastle are seemingly leading the pursuit in a move that will excite fans.
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