Quick Read
- Liverpool is closing in on signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
- Ekitike has reportedly submitted a transfer request to expedite his move to Anfield.
- Newcastle United had a £70m bid rejected, while Liverpool prepares a higher offer.
- Ekitike scored 22 goals and made 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season.
- Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot sees Ekitike as a key addition to their attack.
The summer transfer window has taken an electrifying turn as Liverpool inches closer to securing the signature of Hugo Ekitike, the 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker. Ekitike, a standout performer in the Bundesliga last season with 22 goals and 12 assists, has reportedly set his sights on joining the reigning Premier League champions, intensifying a heated competition with Newcastle United for his services.
Background: Ekitike’s Rise to Prominence
Ekitike’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Emerging from the youth ranks of Stade de Reims in France, he quickly rose to prominence with his dynamic playstyle and clinical finishing. After a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain, he joined Eintracht Frankfurt, where he had a breakout season in 2024/25, helping the team secure Champions League qualification. His performances caught the attention of several European giants, but it is Liverpool and Newcastle who have been locked in a bidding war for the Frenchman.
According to The Guardian, Liverpool officials have already agreed on personal terms with Ekitike, proposing a six-year contract. The striker’s €100 million (£86.5 million) release clause, however, remains a sticking point, with Liverpool yet to finalize their bid to meet Frankfurt’s demands.
Liverpool’s Strategic Shift
Initially, Liverpool had targeted Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but the Magpies made it clear that the Swedish striker was not for sale. This pivoted Liverpool’s focus entirely to Ekitike. As reported by Express, Newcastle had also tabled a £70 million bid for the French forward, which Frankfurt rejected, citing structural issues in the payment terms. Liverpool’s bid, though yet to be formally submitted, is expected to outpace Newcastle’s offer, with sources indicating it could approach the release clause.
The Reds’ manager, Arne Slot, is reportedly keen on integrating Ekitike into a forward line that already boasts attacking talents like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Núñez. With six new signings already secured this summer, including Florian Wirtz for a British record £116.5 million, Liverpool is determined to maintain its attacking edge.
Ekitike Pushes for Anfield Move
In a bid to expedite his transfer, Ekitike has reportedly submitted a transfer request to Eintracht Frankfurt, as revealed by Liverpool.com. This bold move underscores his desire to join Liverpool, where he believes his playing style would thrive under Slot’s tactical system. It also signals a departure from the cautious approach that often characterizes high-profile transfers, with Ekitike taking matters into his own hands.
Newcastle, meanwhile, appears to be shifting its focus to other targets, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. With the Magpies stepping away, Liverpool’s path to securing Ekitike seems increasingly clear.
What’s Next?
The coming days are expected to be decisive. Talks between Liverpool and Frankfurt have intensified, and an official bid from Liverpool is anticipated imminently. While the release clause looms as a potential hurdle, Ekitike’s clear preference for Anfield could tip the scales in Liverpool’s favor.
For Eintracht Frankfurt, the sale of Ekitike would be a significant windfall, enabling the club to reinvest in their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign. For Liverpool, the addition of Ekitike would not only bolster their attack but also signal their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
As the saga unfolds, one thing is certain: Hugo Ekitike’s next move will be one of the defining stories of this summer’s transfer window.