Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Liverpool Open Talks with Eintracht Frankfurt Over Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool have initiated discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding the signing of Hugo Ekitike, a young French striker highly sought after this transfer window. This move follows Eintracht Frankfurt's rejection of a £70 million bid from Newcastle United, who have also been long-standing suitors of the player. The Bundesliga club is valuing Ekitike around £85 million, making negotiations challenging for interested parties.^[1][3]

Liverpool's interest in Ekitike emerges as a contingency plan in their pursuit of Newcastle's striker Alexander Isak. Although Liverpool have made an approach for Isak and reportedly prepared to offer a six-year contract, Newcastle have no intentions of selling the player, valuing him at approximately £150 million.^[1][2][4] Consequently, the Reds are exploring Ekitike as an alternative centre-forward target amid their ongoing efforts to bolster the attacking line.

This strategic approach aligns with Liverpool's summer recruitment drive, where they have already invested heavily in signings such as Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi, spending an estimated combined £185 million. Financial assessments confirm Liverpool’s strong revenue position, enabling the club to pursue additional marquee signings without breaching financial regulations.^[4]

Meanwhile, Newcastle's previously submitted £65-70 million bids for Ekitike have been rebuffed, with direct talks involving player representatives taking place in Austria. Despite setbacks, the Magpies remain interested, and Liverpool’s entry complicates the competitive landscape for the French striker. The Reds are simultaneously managing squad changes, including openness to offers for Darwin Núñez and addressing Luis Díaz’s potential departure.^[1][2]

Notably, Liverpool's transfer activities come amid sensitive circumstances — following the tragic death of Diogo Jota — but club sources acknowledge the necessity of strengthening the squad further this summer.^[2]


PP
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.