Liverpool set to sign Hugo Ekitike in £79 million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt

Liverpool FC have reportedly agreed a deal worth £69 million, plus £10 million in performance-related add-ons, to bring 23-year-old Hugo Ekitike to Anfield. The deal, once completed, will mark one of the biggest forward-line signings of the summer and a pivotal piece in new manager Arne Slot’s evolving strategy for the Reds.

Hugo Ekitike has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking talents. The French forward enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the 2024/25 season with Eintracht Frankfurt, netting 22 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions. His dynamic movement, intelligent positioning, and clinical finishing have attracted suitors from the top tiers of European football.

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Both Manchester United and Newcastle United were reportedly tracking the forward, but it is Liverpool who have moved fastest and most decisively to secure the signature of the former PSG man. The deal underscores the club’s ambition to reinforce their attacking options ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely competitive Premier League season.

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Liverpool's pursuit of Ekitike accelerated after Newcastle United rejected advances for Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who remains a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s project and is reportedly valued at around £150 million. Isak’s valuation effectively priced him out of reach, prompting Liverpool’s recruitment team to pivot toward a more feasible, yet still high-impact—target in Ekitike.

Slot, who took the reins from Jurgen Klopp earlier this summer, views Ekitike as a cornerstone for his new era at Anfield. The striker is expected to join Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia, where fans will get their first glimpse of the forward in red.

Ekitike’s move comes at a critical juncture for Liverpool’s attacking unit. The club is still mourning the tragic loss of Portuguese international Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash in Spain earlier this summer. The emotional weight of Jota’s passing left both a personal and tactical void in the squad.

Meanwhile, Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez has been linked with a move away from Merseyside, with reports suggesting Liverpool are open to offers. Colombian winger Luis Díaz has also drawn interest from Bayern Munich, although a recent bid was swiftly rejected by Liverpool’s hierarchy.

Given these developments, the addition of Hugo Ekitike offers both a tactical solution and a symbolic fresh start as the Reds transition into the post-Klopp era.

Liverpool’s summer spending spree is showing no signs of slowing down. The club has already invested heavily to strengthen other areas of the squad, with German midfield maestro Florian Wirtz arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million.

In defense, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have joined from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively, bringing energy and depth to Liverpool’s flanks. The arrival of Georgian international goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia further reinforces the goalkeeping department.

These signings represent a clear statement of intent from Arne Slot and Liverpool’s new sporting director structure, as they seek to blend youth, experience, and continental flair into a competitive unit.

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Ekitike’s absence from Eintracht Frankfurt’s pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt further fueled speculation of an imminent transfer. Head coach Dino Toppmöller confirmed the move, calling it “a bitter loss” for the Bundesliga side, who had hoped to build around the French striker this season.

Frankfurt fans will certainly feel the sting of losing their star man, but the move represents a significant profit for the club, who signed Ekitike from Paris Saint-Germain just a year ago.

What Ekitike brings to Liverpool

Ekitike offers Liverpool a versatile attacking profile, he can operate as a central striker, second forward, or wide forward in a front three. His strengths lie in pace, aerial ability, and technical skill, and he has demonstrated maturity beyond his years in his short but impactful European career.

Slot is expected to use him either as a direct replacement for Jota or rotate him across the frontline to keep defenders guessing. His arrival could also allow other attackers like Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo to play with greater freedom and less pressure.

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