Liverpool Ready to Go All Out for Ekitike as Transfer Plans Accelerate
Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of receiving a detailed rundown of what it will take to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, and are prepared to meet the Bundesliga side’s demands to secure the forward—especially in light of Chelsea’s growing interest in the player.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is prioritizing the addition of a new No.9 this summer, aiming to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad following Darwin Nunez’s underwhelming performances. With Nunez’s future at Anfield uncertain, securing a reliable striker has become crucial as Liverpool look to build on Slot’s impressive debut season, which ended with a Premier League title.
The Reds have already moved swiftly in the market, lining up Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as a successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold in a £29.5m deal. Talks are also progressing over Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez for the left-back position.
Meanwhile, the club is targeting a marquee signing in creative midfielder Florian Wirtz, another standout from Leverkusen, highlighting Liverpool’s intent to overhaul and upgrade their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Now, attention has turned to Ekitike, with GiveMeSport reporting that Liverpool are close to learning the full terms required to finalize the deal. Frankfurt are holding firm on their €100m (£84m) valuation, bolstered by Chelsea’s active interest in the French striker.
Initially eyeing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Liverpool shifted focus to Ekitike due to Isak’s higher cost. However, they remain hopeful of potentially persuading the Swedish forward down the line. For now, Ekitike is viewed as the more feasible target, with Liverpool willing to pay the premium to secure him.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign with Frankfurt, contributing 22 goals and 12 assists across 48 appearances and playing a key role in securing Champions League qualification. A move to the Premier League would also bring a significant salary increase, with his current wages at £80,000 per week.
Frankfurt, known for extracting top dollar for their assets—as seen in Manchester City’s £59m acquisition of Omar Marmoush—are expected to adopt a similar stance in negotiations for Ekitike. With the striker still under contract for four more years, the German club are in a strong bargaining position.
Ekitike, however, is eager to take the next step in his career and is open to a move, which could aid Liverpool’s efforts. It now remains to be seen how Hughes prioritizes Liverpool’s transfer business, with a major summer overhaul firmly underway to reinforce Slot’s title-winning side.
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