Liverpool have officially opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over the transfer of striker Hugo Ekitike, intensifying the competition for the 23-year-old forward amid strong interest from Newcastle United. Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike comes after being informed that Newcastle's star striker Alexander Isak is not for sale this summer, prompting the Premier League champions to look elsewhere for a top striker.

Newcastle had previously made a record-breaking bid of around £70 million for Ekitike, which Frankfurt rejected. Despite this, Newcastle remain close to concluding a deal reportedly worth €80 million (£70m+) with Ekitike’s agent already in Newcastle to finalize personal terms. Ekitike, previously at Paris Saint-Germain, is poised to sign a five-year contract and undergo a medical, with PSG set to receive 20% of the transfer fee.

Newcastle see Ekitike as an ideal striking partner to Alexander Isak, with the club confirming Isak is not leaving and valued at least £150 million. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest represents a potential new rival in the race for the highly rated French forward.

Other Premier League clubs have shown interest in similar attacking targets; for example, Arsenal are closing in on Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, but Ekitike remains among the top forwards available this summer alongside players like Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko.

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Known for his scoring prowess, Ekitike netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists across 48 games in the 2024-25 season in Germany. While considered a rising star with a somewhat controversial reputation for arrogance, Frankfurt’s striker is seen as ready to step up to the Premier League and Champions League level. He aims to use a high-profile move to secure a call-up to France’s senior national team, having showcased impressive form at the Under-21 level.

Liverpool’s analytical scouting underlines Ekitike’s record as the top scorer among European strikers aged 23 or under in 2024-25, boosting the case for him to be a key signing to reinforce their attacking options.


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