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Lionel Messi gave Hugo Ekitike an apt nickname at PSG(Image: Getty Images)

At only 23, Hugo Ekitike has already enjoyed the rare opportunity to share the field with some of football's most iconic figures – a trend that looks set to continue with a move to Liverpool.

After a whirlwind few days of negotiations and media buzz, the Reds are on the verge of securing a transfer deal worth up to £79million for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker.

Liverpool swooped in to hijack Newcastle's deal for the player with the Magpies refusing to part ways with Alexander Isak.



Acting quickly, the reigning Premier League champions negotiated terms for the French forward, a move that will raise their total summer spending to nearly £300m.

Once completed, the deal will make Ekitike the second-most expensive striker in Liverpool's history, trailing only Darwin Nunez.

He is expected to put pen to paper on a six-year contract at Anfield.

The attacker netted 22 goals and recorded 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions last season, following his full-time switch from Paris Saint-Germain to Frankfurt just a year ago.

While at PSG, Ekitike had the chance to play alongside some of the most celebrated names in world football, such as Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi even coined a nickname for Ekitike during their time as team-mates, calling him "the iron rod."

Lionel Messi and Hugo Ekitike spent a year together at PSG(Image: Getty Images)

As reported by Get Football News France, the name referred to Ekitike's slender frame, with the 6ft 3in forward towering over the 5ft 7in Argentine, but also his rapid turn of pace, which often left defenders quaking in their boots.

That tells Arne Slot all he needs to know about his incoming signing, who will be tasked with linking up with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz, latching onto their passes, stretching defences by running in behind and out wide and offering the team a focal point from which to play off.

Injuries during his stint at PSG slowed Ekitike's development, prompting him to hire both a personal fitness coach and a physio to build the resilience needed for top-tier competition.

That extra effort paid off, as he featured in 48 matches for Frankfurt last season – a testament to his improved durability and conditioning.

Ekitike is set to lead the line at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool are aiming to wrap up the signing swiftly as their pre-season schedule gains momentum.

Marinos on July 30.

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Following their international fixtures, the Reds will return to Anfield for friendlies against Athletic Bilbao on August 4, and then travel to Wembley to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10.

Bringing Ekitike in sends a strong signal of Liverpool's intent.
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