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Hugo Ekitike has officially joined Liverpool in a deal worth up to £79million(Image: Liverpool FC)

Hugo Ekitike already handed Liverpool a transfer hint before contact over his £79million move was made with Eintracht Frankfurt, thanks to Steven Gerrard.

The Frenchman completed his move to the Premier League champions on Wednesday and signed a six-year deal to stay at Anfield until 2031.

The 23-year-old had enjoyed the best season of his career with the Bundesliga side, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 games across all competitions.



Despite being subject of a bid from Newcastle United which was rejected from Frankfurt, Ekitike's future was set for Merseyside after Arne Slot's side waded into the battle for the striker after the Magpies' advances.

While their first bid was turned down, a second offer of £69m up front with £10m in add-ons provided an outline agreement between the two clubs that would see the striker become the Reds' fifth major signing of the summer.

It was a relatively speedy swoop from Liverpool's hierarchy to clinch a deal for Ekitike who first made contact with the player's camp in January before he enjoyed a conversation with Slot at the end of the season.

However, discussions with Frankfurt only commenced after Newcastle's rejected bid 10 days ago.

It was earlier this summer that Ekitike sparked rumours of a potential move to Anfield after he was spotted wearing a retro Liverpool kit with Gerrard's name at the back.

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The France U21 international was photographed training at the Marbella Football Centre, understood to be in June, wearing the Reds' away strip believed to be from the 1998/99 season.

He's since been given a temporary squad number of 54, similar to the rest of his new team-mates as the Reds are likely awaiting on several outgoings before handing their summer signings permanent numbers.

Arne Slot has finally clinched the signing of Hugo Ekitike(Image: PA)

After spending 17 months in Frankfurt, Liverpool fans will be glad to know that he was thought of glowingly by his former team-mate Mario Gotze who himself was close to an Anfield move in 2016 to reunite with Jurgen Klopp.

Speaking to beIN Sports last year, the World Cup winner said: "I think Hugo Ekitike has an ability that few players have with his dribbling, his finishing, and his speed.

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