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

Image Credits: Getty Images

ESPN has revealed the turning point in Liverpool’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike and why the striker turned down other clubs for an Anfield switch.

The Reds’ pursuit of a new centre-forward has intensified today, with Eintracht Frankfurt seemingly confirming his imminent transfer.

We reported earlier on Monday that the 23-year-old French striker has been granted permission by Eintracht Frankfurt to travel to Merseyside for a medical examination, putting the finishing touches on what is another mega transfer by the Anfield club.

The Reds and Eintracht Frankfurt have agreed a headline fee of £69 million (€80 million), plus up to £10 million in performance-related add-ons, which could potentially increase the total package to £79 million.

The 23-year-old is set to sign a six-year deal at Anfield, running until 2031.

According to reports, his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, is due 20% of any future sale, having negotiated a sell-on clause when they sold him to Frankfurt in February 2024.

With the Liverpool squad now in Hong Kong, Ekitike was expected to join up with them after completing his medical.

He was initially expected to travel for his medical on Monday, but it was revealed that his representatives has rescheduled his flight for tomorrow.

With the transfer of the 23-year-old looking like a done deal, ESPN revealed the role Arne Slot played in convincing Ekitike to choose Liverpool.

According to the report, the Frenchman was “completely sold on a move to Anfield” after speaking with Slot, who was sad to have pulled off a masterclass.

“For Hugo Ekitike, the decision was easy.

From the moment he spoke with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot about his plans for the season ahead, the France youth international was completely sold on a move to Anfield,” the report said.

“Sources told ESPN the club first made contact with the player’s camp in March before talks began in earnest last week.

“It is understood Slot held a Zoom call with Ekitike, during which the Liverpool head coach detailed his need for a mobile and dynamic No.9 who could combine brilliance on the ball with tenacity and intelligence off it?

Ekitike saw himself as the perfect fit, with sources telling ESPN Slot pulled off a “masterclass,” prompting the player to prioritise a move to Liverpool despite interest from elsewhere.”

The report also revealed that Ekitike has always been Liverpool’s main striker target, despite the club’s reported interest in Alexander Isak.

“While externally there were suggestions the club’s pursuit of the player was part of an elaborate ploy to instead sign Isak from Newcastle, Ekitike has always been one of the leading names on the Reds’ shortlist for a new centre-forward,” the report added.

“Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, chief scout Barry Hunter and Michael Edwards (the CEO of Football for owners Fenway Sports Group) have been following his progress for months, with Hughes having admired the player during his time as technical director at Bournemouth.”

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.