Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), with a potential £10 million in performance-related add-ons.
According to reports on Monday, the Premier League champions turned their attention to the 23-year-old French forward after Newcastle United refused to sell Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million.
Newcastle and Manchester United were also said to be monitoring Ekitike, but Liverpool now appear set to secure the signature of one of Europe’s most highly rated young attackers.
Ekitike is expected to join Arne Slot’s squad for their pre-season tour of Asia once the transfer is finalized. He impressed last season with 22 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions for Frankfurt, following a move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The striker was left out of Frankfurt’s squad for their recent pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt. Head coach Dino Toppmöller acknowledged Ekitike’s likely departure, calling it “a bitter loss” for the club.
Ekitike’s arrival comes at a critical time for Liverpool’s forward line following the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car crash in Spain. Additionally, the Reds are reportedly open to selling Darwin Núñez, while Bayern Munich recently had a bid rejected for Luis Díaz.
The move for Ekitike adds to an already busy summer window for Liverpool, who have spent £116 million to bring in German playmaker Florian Wirtz, defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, and Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
AFP
