Liverpool agree record deal for Hugo Ekitiké

Ekitiké deal agreed

Liverpool are close to finalising the transfer of Hugo Ekitiké. Personal terms with the French striker have been agreed, and talks with Eintracht Frankfurt have now wrapped up. According to The Athletic, Sky Sports News and Fabrizio Romano, the parties have agreed on a fee that will go down in the club’s history.

Having failed in their attempt to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Liverpool wasted no time in shifting focus to Ekitiké. After Frankfurt rejected the initial offer, the Reds returned with a stronger bid. The opening offer was around €80 million (£69.3 million), and with performance-based add-ons, the total could rise to €95 million (£82.3 million).

Fabrizio Romano reported that €90 million of this amount is tied to “easily achievable” conditions, while the remaining €5 million depends on more challenging success metrics. If all conditions are met, Ekitiké will become the most expensive sale in Frankfurt’s history. The previous record was set in 2023 when Randal Kolo Muani joined PSG for €95 million.

Breakthrough at Frankfurt

Ekitiké joined Frankfurt on loan from PSG in January 2024 and quickly impressed. The German club triggered the €16.5 million purchase clause. Following Omar Marmoush’s transfer to Manchester City, Ekitiké emerged as Frankfurt’s focal point in attack, finishing the season with 22 goals and 11 assists, 15 of which came in the Bundesliga.

Hugo Ekitiké is a modern, versatile attacker. While primarily a centre-forward, he can also operate effectively as a left winger or second striker. Despite his 1.90m frame, he is agile, balanced and quick with the ball. Predominantly right-footed, he can finish with both feet and excels in aerial duels. His standout trait at Frankfurt was his link-up play, holding the ball up and involving teammates. For Ekitiké to thrive in the Premier League, he’ll need to build greater endurance and offer more consistent defensive work off the ball.

Ekitiké’s versatility could allow him to operate in different roles within Arne Slot’s attacking system. His proficiency in link-up play will suit Liverpool’s high-pressure attacking style in the opposition half.

Isak was the initial priority

Looking back at early summer negotiations, Ekitiké was not Liverpool’s primary target. Alexander Isak topped the list due to his suitability for Slot’s system. The details were reported as follows:

According to talkSPORT, Núñez has received offers from Saudi Arabia, primarily from Al Hilal, who have reportedly submitted a bid of around £60 million. Meanwhile, Liverpool Offside reports that Napoli have made initial contact, regarding Núñez as their primary candidate to succeed Osimhen up front. Although Liverpool’s asking price has not yet been met, negotiations are said to be ongoing.

Within this framework, Alexander Isak has emerged as Liverpool’s foremost attacking priority. The Athletic reports that no formal offer has been made yet, but the Reds are preparing a move worth around £120 million ($161.4 million). Should the deal go through, it would set a new benchmark as the most expensive transfer in Premier League history. The Times states that the bid could rise to £130 million ($174.8 million).

However, Newcastle United have no intention of selling Isak. According to The Times, the club views him as a long-term pillar and plans to offer him a new contract. In Slot’s attacking framework, strikers who can play with their back to goal and make runs behind the defence are crucial. Isak blends the strength to hold up play with the intelligence to exploit space, a profile that aligns seamlessly with Slot’s system.

Liverpool’s record-breaking summer

Ekitiké may become Frankfurt’s most expensive sale, but he isn’t Liverpool’s most expensive signing of the summer. That honour goes to Florian Wirtz, whose move from Leverkusen could cost up to £116 million.

The total summer outlay has entered the record books. Liverpool have spent €304 million on just five signings: Florian Wirtz (€125m), Hugo Ekitiké (€90m), Milos Kerkez (€47m), Jeremie Frimpong (€40m), and Armin Pecsi (€2m). This level of spending reflects a bold statement of intent for Liverpool’s new era.

Determined to keep core players

While reinforcing the attack, Liverpool are also focused on retaining their core squad members. The coaching staff aim not only to add new stars but also to prevent destabilising departures.

In this regard, Bayern Munich’s €67.5 million (£58.6 million) bid for Luis Díaz was firmly rejected. According to The Guardian, despite public reports suggesting Díaz wants to leave, Liverpool have made it unequivocally clear that the Colombian forward is off the market and view him as a key figure in next season’s plans.

Retaining the core group has emerged as a top priority in Liverpool’s summer strategy, alongside building a new squad. A firm stance has been taken on Luis Díaz, with a clear message that he is not leaving.

A new season with a Slot-compatible striker

Liverpool have a clear roadmap this summer: to secure a top striker aligned with Slot’s system and maintain the consistency needed to defend their Premier League title. Ekitiké has grown into a central figure in the club’s new attacking setup.