Liverpool Agree Deal for Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool are on the verge of concluding a significant transfer for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, ending their year-long pursuit of a new forward. The 23-year-old France Under-21 international has agreed in principle to join the Premier League champions on a six-year contract, with the club preparing to formalize a bid that could see their summer spending exceed £250 million.
Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in 48 appearances last season helping Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League, has an £86.5 million release clause. Although Liverpool aim to negotiate a fee below this figure, Eintracht Frankfurt's stance remains uncertain. Crucially, Ekitike has expressed a strong desire to move to Anfield, which has accelerated talks.
Liverpool faced competition from Newcastle United and Manchester United for the striker. Newcastle's earlier offers were rejected, and they have since conceded the chase, while Liverpool's proposal has pushed negotiations forward decisively. This move marks a key upgrade over Darwin Núñez as Liverpool target a striking boost ahead of their upcoming pre-season tour in Asia.
With Alexander Isak considered Liverpool's first-choice striker target earlier in the window, Ekitike has emerged as a leading alternative — combining a similar playstyle with a comparatively more affordable option that holds potential to become a marquee Premier League forward.
As Liverpool finalize discussions, the club’s strategic spending and scouting over the past year underline their intent to strengthen the squad significantly for the 2025/26 campaign.
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