Liverpool are on the verge of completing a major signing with the French striker Hugo Ekitike, who has been spotted training in a retro Steven Gerrard Liverpool shirt, signaling his imminent move to the club. The Reds have agreed a deal worth up to £79 million with Eintracht Frankfurt, comprising an initial £69 million fee plus £10 million in add-ons largely dependent on Liverpool’s trophy success.

The 23-year-old forward, who joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain in February 2024, impressed last season by scoring 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances and helping secure Champions League qualification with 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions. The transfer is expected to be finalized soon, with Ekitike traveling to Merseyside for a medical and to sign a six-year contract. Liverpool aim to integrate him quickly, potentially joining the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Ekitike has long favored Liverpool over other Premier League suitors such as Newcastle United and Manchester United. Liverpool’s sporting director and medical staff are prepared in England to ensure a smooth signing process. This transfer marks Liverpool’s sixth signing in this window and pushes their summer spending close to £300 million as the club continues to strengthen under manager Arne Slot.

The deal reflects the club's ambition: the add-ons are structured so that full payment occurs if Ekitike makes a significant contribution toward domestic and European trophies. Despite a buyout clause of £86 million at Frankfurt, the Reds negotiated a fee below that threshold. Ekitike, yet to debut for France’s national team, views a Premier League move as a way to increase his chances of national selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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Frankfurt’s management expressed regret at losing a key striker but acknowledged the transfer's inevitability, highlighting the importance of the player’s ambition and Liverpool’s appeal.


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