Liverpool Agree £69m Deal for Frankfurt Striker Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of £69 million.

The 23-year-old is scheduled to arrive in the UK on Tuesday ahead of a medical and is set to pen a six-year contract. He is expected to link up with Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia later this week.

The full transfer package could rise to £79 million, including £10 million in performance-related add-ons. Newcastle United had previously tabled a £70 million offer for the forward earlier this month, which Frankfurt turned down. Liverpool, meanwhile, have also expressed interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

Ekitike was a standout performer in the Bundesliga last season, netting 15 goals and supplying eight assists in 31 starts, helping Frankfurt secure a third-place finish. His tally was bettered by only five players in the German top flight, and he led the league with 117 shots on goal.

His arrival at Anfield takes Liverpool’s summer spending past the £250 million mark. The club has already secured Florian Wirtz in a potential British-record £116 million deal, while defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong joined for a combined £70 million.

A Resurgence in Germany

Ekitike’s journey has been one of resilience and reinvention. Once a rising talent at Reims, he drew interest from top clubs, including Newcastle, before choosing a move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, his time in Paris saw limited opportunities due to fierce competition.

A loan switch to Frankfurt in early 2024 reignited his career, and the German side made the move permanent last summer. Under head coach Dino Toppmoller, Ekitike adapted to multiple tactical roles — as a lone forward and in a strike duo alongside Omar Marmoush. The pair formed a lethal combination until Marmoush departed for Manchester City in a £63 million deal in January.

Following the departure, Frankfurt adjusted their formation, pushing Ekitike into a central role supported by two attacking midfielders. His ability to rotate positions and read the game tactically made him a valuable asset in various attacking systems.

Though not known for explosive pace, Ekitike uses intelligent movement to outmaneuver defenders. He is also effective in pressing from the front, whether deployed in high or mid-blocks.

Liverpool will be hoping his versatility and football IQ translate smoothly to the Premier League as they continue their summer rebuild.