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Liverpool may have received a boost in the potential acquisition of Hugo Ekitike.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a strong candidate for the striker role at Anfield, especially as it appears Newcastle United will keep Alexander Isak following their qualification for the Champions League.

Ekitike has enjoyed an impressive season with Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, including 15 goals and 8 assists in 33 Bundesliga matches and 4 goals in the Europa League.

His outstanding performances have drawn interest from several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, with Frankfurt valuing him increasingly high—from an initial €80 million to potentially €100 million.

His ability to link play and create space for teammates, coupled with a willingness to press defensively, theoretically suits Slot’s preference for a dynamic, system-oriented forward.

His underlying statistics showcase why the Reds and other clubs are keen on the Frenchman:

Hugo Ekitike.

Non-Penalty Goals

xAG (Expected Assisted Goals)

Based on 3019 minutes played [FBref].

It has already been reported that Liverpool have held talks with the 22-year-old striker.

Now Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany has revealed a potential boost, reporting that Chelsea’s efforts to sign Ekitike before the Club World Cup have failed:

“A Club World Cup deal for Hugo Ekitike to Chelsea FC has collapsed,” he wrote on X.

“There is still no full agreement and no official offer to Eintracht Frankfurt

Chelsea and Ekitike remain in talks for the summer transfer window – but Liverpool are still in the race.”

“One to watch in the coming weeks.”

Chelsea value Ekitike significantly lower than Frankfurt’s asking price

Frankfurt reportedly want around €100 million, while Chelsea’s top limit is around £65-70 million (€75-84 million), which they are hesitant to exceed at this point.

It also serves as a good indication to Liverpool as to what the Bundesliga club want for their star striker.

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