Liverpool has reportedly sealed a deal to bring French forward Hugo Ekitike to Anfield from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Sources close to the negotiations say the agreement is worth an initial £69 million, with an extra £10 million in potential add-ons—pushing the total package to £79 million.
The Reds made their move after Newcastle United refused to entertain offers for Alexander Isak, setting his price at a staggering £150 million. With that door closed, Liverpool quickly pivoted to Ekitike, a rising star who’s been on the radar of top clubs including Manchester United and Newcastle.
The 23-year-old is expected to join new manager Arne Slot’s squad in time for their pre-season tour of Asia. Ekitike had an impressive season with Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals in 48 matches after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain.
His recent absence from Frankfurt’s friendly against FSV Frankfurt only fueled speculation of his departure. Club manager Dino Toppmöller confirmed the striker is on his way out, calling it “a bitter loss” but wishing him success in his next chapter.
Liverpool’s attacking lineup is currently in flux following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in a car accident. With Darwin Núñez reportedly on the market and Luis Díaz attracting interest from Bayern Munich, reinforcements have become essential.
Ekitike joins an ambitious summer rebuild at Liverpool. The club has already invested heavily—£116 million went into signing German playmaker Florian Wirtz, while defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth. Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also completed his transfer from Valencia as the season ended.
The Ekitike signing signals Liverpool’s intent to refresh and rearm under Slot’s leadership.
