theglobalsun – Liverpool are in advanced negotiations to sign striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The deal is reportedly worth more than £70 million. Sources indicate Liverpool hopes to finalize the transfer by this weekend. This move comes as the club looks to strengthen their central striker position ahead of the new Premier League season.
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Ekitike, 23, scored 15 goals in 31 Bundesliga starts last season. Frankfurt finished third in the league, and Ekitike was a key contributor. He is known not only for scoring but also for creating chances. With eight assists last season, he ranks in the top 6% of forwards in Germany for chance creation.
His shooting statistics further underline his offensive threat. Ekitike registered 117 shots on goal—the highest in the Bundesliga last season. Additionally, his expected goals (xG) of 21.6 was the league’s second highest, showing his ability to get into scoring positions consistently. Liverpool’s main competition came from Newcastle United, who had an initial £70 million offer rejected by Frankfurt. Liverpool’s offer reportedly exceeds this figure, demonstrating their strong desire to secure the player. Ekitike has expressed openness to joining Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions.
Alongside Ekitike, Liverpool has shown interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. However, Newcastle insists Isak is not for sale, regardless of the price. This leaves Ekitike as Liverpool’s primary target to fill their need for a central forward.
Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy and Newcastle’s Next Moves
Liverpool have already been active in the transfer market this summer. They secured midfielder Florian Wirtz in a deal reportedly worth a potential British record £116 million. The club also invested £40 million and £30 million in full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong respectively.
The acquisition of Ekitike would complement these signings by adding more firepower up front. Liverpool’s need for a reliable central striker has been clear, and Ekitike’s profile fits their requirements well. His ability to both score and create chances will be valuable in Liverpool’s attacking system.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United, having lost out on Ekitike, plan to shift focus toward Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. Reports suggest Newcastle will intensify their interest in Wissa within the next 24 hours. This move follows their slowed attempts to sign Ekitike and shows their determination to strengthen their attack. As the transfer window progresses, Liverpool’s rapid pursuit of Ekitike indicates their ambition to maintain Premier League dominance. If completed, the deal will mark another significant investment in their squad.
Fans and analysts will closely watch how Ekitike adapts to the Premier League and contributes to Liverpool’s success. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s pursuit of alternative striker targets promises an active transfer market in the coming days. Overall, this transfer saga highlights the competitive nature of top Premier League clubs vying for emerging talent to boost their squads for the challenges ahead.