Liverpool are on the verge of securing the services of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal reported to be worth approximately £82 million. As per German outlet BILD, both clubs have reached a full agreement, and the 23-year-old French forward is expected to complete his move to Anfield within days.
Hugo Ekitike left out of Frankfurt’s U.S. tour
Ekitike’s transfer appears imminent, with Frankfurt excluding him from their squad for the club’s upcoming preseason tour in the United States. He was also absent from Saturday’s 3-2 friendly win over FSV Frankfurt, signaling that the Bundesliga side is preparing for life without him.
The former France Under-21 international had attracted strong interest from Newcastle United, who reportedly submitted a £70 million bid earlier this month. However, Frankfurt turned it down, and Ekitike now looks set to fulfill his ambition of joining Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s ambitious rebuild continues
New Reds boss Arne Slot is making a significant statement in the transfer market. The Dutchman has already spent more than £170 million to bring in Giorgi Mamardashvili, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. The arrival of Ekitike will further enhance Liverpool’s attacking threat as they aim to secure a record-extending 21st English league title.
Should the deal go through, Ekitike would become the second Frankfurt striker to make a high-profile move to the Premier League this year, following Omar Marmoush’s £59 million switch to Manchester City in January.
Darwin Nunez exit on the horizon?
With Ekitike’s arrival, Darwin Nunez's future at Anfield remains uncertain. The Uruguayan forward has struggled to impress Slot and may be on his way out. A proposed move to Napoli appears unlikely after Antonio Conte’s side opted to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese. Meanwhile, interest from Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, and clubs in the Saudi Pro League remains active.
Final piece of the puzzle?
If completed, Ekitike's signing may finalize Liverpool’s forward options for the upcoming campaign unless Luis Diaz completes a potential move to Bayern Munich before the transfer window closes.
Having clinched the Premier League title last season, Liverpool enter the new campaign as strong favorites to retain their crown, now with even more firepower at their disposal.