Football Transfer: Liverpool intensify effort to sign Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt

Femi Fabunmi

Liverpool’s pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is progressing quickly, with the club aiming to complete the signing by this weekend.

Originally viewed as a backup option to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Ekitike is now the top target.

Liverpool are set to make an official offer to Frankfurt following recent talks with the Bundesliga club.

According to multiple reports, including those from BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel and the Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe, the Premier League champions are working to finalize the deal ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia on Monday.

Bascombe reports that Liverpool are trying to secure the 23-year-old for less than the £86.5 million release clause in his contract, while Mokbel notes the bid is expected to exceed Newcastle’s previous £70 million offer.

Ekitike wants Liverpool move

Ekitike has informed Frankfurt of his desire to join Liverpool and sign a six-year contract, which should strengthen Liverpool’s position in negotiations. Newcastle have accepted defeat in their pursuit of the French striker, while Manchester United, though previously interested, are no longer in contention.

If completed, the signing would conclude a year-long search for a new No. 9 to replace Darwin Nunez, who is set to leave the club this summer. Liverpool have been scouting multiple options but consider Ekitike the ideal fit.

Ekitike, a tall and agile centre-forward, rose through the ranks at Stade de Reims before moving to PSG in 2023. After a brief and underwhelming spell there, he joined Frankfurt, where he impressed with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances last season.

Liverpool had also shown interest in Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) and Yoane Wissa (Brentford), but Ekitike has emerged as the standout candidate.

Already, Liverpool have gotten the signature of Florian Writz from Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong from Leverkusen, Kerkez from Bournemouth and they are looking to add Ekitike and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace to the squad.