LIVERPOOL have announced the arrival of new striker Hugo Ekitike in a £79million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Frenchman’s arrival comes after months of the Reds courting him and his camp, with an end-of-season meeting with Arne Slot proving crucial in turning his head.
GettyLiverpool have announced the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt[/caption]
Ekitike, 23, becomes Liverpool’s latest big-money addition this summer after splashing out on the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Florian Wirtz – taking their total spend to just under £300m.
The striker has penned a six-year deal on Merseyside, tying his future down with the champions after his impressive campaign in the Bundesliga last term.
Ekitike scored 15 goals and registered eight assists in his 33 Bundesliga appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, earning himself a spot in the league’s Team of the Season.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool beat a number of their Premier League rivals to Ekitike’s signature.
Chelsea are said to have explored a move, Manchester United considered a late bid and Newcastle were well-known to have had an offer knocked back by Frankfurt.
But Liverpool have been monitoring the bagsman for years, with senior recruitment figures at the club reportedly aware of his potential since he was at Reims between 2020 and 2023.
Liverpool are understood to have begun their full pursuit of Ekitike in January but saw things accelerate when boss Arne Slot spoke to the French youth international.
The Athletic say that Slot outlined exactly where he sees Ekitike fitting into his squad, helping the deal move along.
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Ekitike’s fee is made up of a guaranteed sum of £69m with £10m in add-ons.
He will now fly out to Hong Kong to join his Liverpool teammates for their pre-season tour of Asia.
Ekitike’s arrival will more than likely spell an end to Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle star Alexander Isak.
The Kop club had registered their interest in striking up a deal worth £120m for Isak this summer, but were told that the Swede is not for sale.
That saw them pivot back to Ekitike, which in turn took him away from the Magpies, who were hoping to line him up alongside Isak after submitting their own bid of around £65m.
Ekitike – who is yet to be given a squad number – could make his debut as soon as Saturday, when Liverpool take on AC Milan in Hong Kong.
GettyEkitike will now fly to Hong Kong to join Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia[/caption]
AFPThe striker had a brief spell on the books at PSG[/caption]
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