Liverpool Primed for Hugo Ekitike Pursuit as Rivals Hesitate on £86M Striker
Liverpool supporters are anticipating further significant moves in the summer transfer window, and a potential opportunity has emerged to land highly-rated striker Hugo Ekitike. While the Reds have already secured three key first-team signings, manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are reportedly not finished reshaping the squad.
Ekitike Emerges as a Viable Striker Target
Liverpool are seeking to bolster their attacking options and have been linked with several prominent forwards, including Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen, and Ekitike. The 22-year-old Frenchman, coming off an impressive 2024/25 season with Eintracht Frankfurt where he scored 21 goals, has quickly risen on Liverpool’s list of potential targets. However, acquiring Ekitike won’t be straightforward, with Eintracht Frankfurt initially demanding a substantial fee.
A ‘Golden Opportunity’ to Secure Ekitike
According to reports from Give Me Sport, Liverpool may have been presented with a “golden opportunity” to lead the chase for Ekitike. The report suggests that competing clubs – Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea – are currently reluctant to engage in a bidding war for the player, potentially clearing the path for Liverpool to negotiate directly with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Despite this advantageous position, securing Ekitike will still require navigating a complex financial landscape. Eintracht Frankfurt remains steadfast in their valuation of the striker, currently seeking a transfer fee of up to £86 million. While the German club is presently unwilling to lower their asking price, there is speculation of a potential discount emerging in the final weeks of the transfer window – though this is not guaranteed and would be contingent on Eintracht’s terms.
Darwin Núñez’s Departure Key to Ekitike Deal
Liverpool are reportedly prepared to initiate negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt, but a crucial condition must be met first. According to sources, the club intends to offload Darwin Núñez before actively pursuing Ekitike. This suggests that funds generated from Núñez’s sale will be instrumental in financing a move for the French forward.
Caution Remains Despite Potential Opportunity
Despite the potential for a relatively unobstructed path to signing Ekitike, Liverpool are expected to proceed with caution. Club officials reportedly believe a fee approaching £90 million is excessive, particularly given their previous experience with Núñez. A senior official stated that the club will likely hold firm on their valuation and wait to see if Eintracht Frankfurt will compromise on their asking price, learning from past transfer dealings.
The Reds are seemingly unwilling to repeat what they perceive as a costly mistake with Núñez, and will prioritize a more established and reliable goalscorer if they are to invest such a significant sum. As a result, Liverpool are prepared to be patient and assess whether a more favorable deal can be struck as the transfer window progresses.
