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Liverpool Make Significant Progress in Signing Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool have reached a major breakthrough in their pursuit of French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Premier League club has agreed in principle on a transfer fee of around €90 million (£78 million), including add-ons, making it one of the highest fees paid by Liverpool for a single player.
The deal is reportedly close to finalisation, with Ekitike set to sign a six-year contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2031, pending a medical. Negotiations have focused on the structure of add-ons, but both clubs are confident an agreement will be reached shortly.
Ekitike, who scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances last season, has been open to a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool emerging as the preferred destination after Newcastle's move for Alexander Isak stalled. Eintracht Frankfurt, despite being reluctant to sell the attacker, valued the player at €100 million and see this transfer as a major financial return after acquiring him from Paris Saint-Germain for just €16.5 million last summer.
Frankfurt coach has described Ekitike's potential departure as "a bitter loss." However, the club is preparing for his exit by eyeing replacements such as Jonathan Burkardt and Franjo Ivanovic, ensuring squad balance ahead of the new season.
This signing follows a recent trend of top Bundesliga talents moving to Liverpool, with players like Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz also having made the transition to the Premier League champions. The transfer marks a significant statement by Liverpool as they reinforce their attacking options for the 2025-26 campaign.
PP
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