Liverpool ‘menace’ could be overlooked for international duty despite ‘promising’ start to season
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Liverpool has officially completed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth potentially up to £79 million, including add-ons. The 23-year-old France under-21 international joins the Reds following an impressive breakout period in the Bundesliga, where he scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists in 33 league games last season. Ekitike’s transfer beat competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United, who were also interested in the forward.
After successfully completing his medical and agreeing personal terms, Ekitike will join Liverpool’s preseason tour in Hong Kong under manager Arne Slot. He becomes the latest addition to a revamped Liverpool squad this summer, joining players like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez. Ekitike previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, making 33 appearances and winning a Ligue 1 title before his move to Germany.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s sporting director praised the transfer as a significant achievement for both player and club. The German side will receive 80% of the transfer fee, as PSG holds a 20% sell-on clause from when Ekitike moved to Frankfurt in February 2024. Liverpool values Ekitike not only for his goal-scoring abilities but also for his versatility, capable of playing as a central striker or in a secondary striker role to fit Liverpool’s fluid attacking style.
Ekitike’s signing is seen as an investment in Liverpool’s future attacking potential, with the club’s data analysts highlighting his high upside comparable only to top young strikers like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. His squad number is yet to be confirmed, and Liverpool fans can expect more exclusive content including his first interview with the club soon.
PP