Liverpool are reportedly ready to start negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign 23-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike
On Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano sounded a warning to Liverpool about growing competition for Hugo Ekitike. The French striker is drawing serious attention from several Premier League clubs, and according to Romano, the race is still wide open.
“There is still interest from more English clubs,” Romano said. “And I am told the race remains quite open. The story is not yet done, and I’m sure we’ll be back in the next weeks to discuss Ekitike and a move to the Premier League.”
After scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists last season, it’s no surprise that clubs are lining up. Now, Liverpool are reportedly preparing to open talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible transfer.
Give Me Sport reports that Liverpool are ready to engage in early discussions but will likely need to offload Darwin Nunez first. Napoli had a bid rejected but are expected to return with an improved offer soon.
The same report claims that intermediaries have already informed Frankfurt that Liverpool are keen, giving the German side confidence that they might secure their full £86 million valuation before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle United and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Ekitike, while Saudi clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah have shown interest too. But it’s Frankfurt who believe that Liverpool could step up and make their move soon.
Spending £86 million would definitely raise eyebrows, but it wouldn’t be a shock if Liverpool pushed through for a player with Ekitike’s numbers. With Salah and Florian Wirtz pulling the strings, Ekitike could thrive up front in Arne Slot’s system.
Still, there’s a question mark about how well he’ll adapt to the Premier League. His Bundesliga form is impressive—but the step up to English football can be tricky. That said, if Liverpool go all in, he wouldn’t be a bad addition at all.