Hugo Ekitike. (Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Liverpool are leading the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike who is valued at €100 million. Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that talks between the two clubs have taken place and that Liverpool’s biggest rival for the player’s signature at this moment is Chelsea.
Ekitike has seen his stock rise after a fantastic run of form this season. He bagged 22 goals and provided eight assists in 48 matches across all competitions for Frankfurt, leading the club to a third place finish in the Bundesliga and securing a Champions League berth.
He’s grown admirers from several clubs, with links to Chelsea and Arsenal in the past. Chelsea is known to be keen to add a striker to their ranks in time for the Club World Cup this summer, but with reports of the Blues closing in a deal for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, it seems Liverpool are now the clear favorites for Ekitike.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and CEO Michael Edwards both known to be admirers of the France U-21 striker.
Plettenberg adds that no official bid has been submitted by Liverpool or any club for the player, and that Frankfurt CEO Markus Krösche will demand €100 million. The newly crowned Premier League Champions are believed to be set for one of their “biggest ever transfer budgets” this summer as they launch a title defense, with a striker known to be at the top of their wish list.
Reds keen on Ekitike
The future of Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez continues to be in doubt, with the player failing to impress during his time at the club. Liverpool is expected to target a striker regardless of whether or not Nunez is sold, but it is likely the Reds will sanction a sale to help fund a replacement.
Last summer’s signing Frederico Chiesa has endured an injury ravaged start to his Liverpool career, while the same can be said for Diogo Jota and Liverpool are said to be in the market for attacking reinforcements.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen were other names previously mentioned alongside Ekitike as rumoured striker targets for Liverpool, but it now appears the young Frenchman is the top choice.
Liverpool have already moved quickly to secure other summer targets, having already agreed deals for fullbacks Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. The Reds are also said to be closing in on an agreement for German playmaker Florian Wirtz, signaling their intent bolster their squad significantly.
About the Author
