HUGO EKITIKE TRANSFER UPDATE: LIVERPOOL’S INTEREST STILL STRONG DESPITE HEFTY PRICE TAG
Liverpool have once again been linked with French striker Hugo Ekitike, as confirmed by journalist Christian Falk in his Fact Filescolumn for The Daily Briefing. The 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt forward has drawn significant attention from top Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Arsenal, but it’s Liverpool’s continued pursuit that grabs headlines.
Falk wrote: “True ✅: The race is completely open again for Hugo Ekitike. In addition to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are still interested in the striker.” This is a significant development, especially with Liverpool on the hunt for a reliable centre-forward ahead of Arne Slot’s second season in charge.
EYE-CATCHING STATS AND FRANKFURT’S FIRM VALUATION
Ekitike enjoyed a productive campaign in 2024, netting 22 goals in 48 appearances for Frankfurt. It’s no surprise he’s now being touted as a top-tier prospect. Still, Frankfurt are playing hardball, having reportedly slapped a €100 million price tag on the striker.
“Frankfurt have made it clear… if they don’t pay €100m, the player will stay,” Falk added. With Champions League football secured, the Bundesliga outfit are under no pressure to sell cheaply — a stance reminiscent of how they handled Omar Marmoush’s situation.
The young Frenchman only moved to Frankfurt from PSG in the 2024 winter window, following a tough spell in Ligue 1. That change of scenery clearly worked wonders, reinvigorating his form and market value.
LIVERPOOL’S STRIKER STRATEGY
Ekitike’s name now surfaces alongside other potential long-term replacements for Darwin Nunez.
Fabrizio Romano recently indicated Nunez is now a “guaranteed exit”, citing a disappointing five-goal Premier League return last season. Whether Liverpool are prepared to meet Frankfurt’s asking price remains uncertain, but Ekitike’s “Premier League-ready” profile and willingness to move could be pivotal.
“Frankfurt have made it clear… if they don’t pay €100m, the player will stay.” That figure may seem inflated, but the market for elite forwards is unpredictable.
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool’s recruitment has already seen Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pecsi join the ranks, with more signings expected. Florian Wirtz is seemingly close to joining too, with Caoimhin Kelleher’s also leaving for Brentford.
With Ekitike reportedly keen on a Premier League move, Liverpool’s profile as title challengers and Champions League contenders keeps us firmly in the mix.
OUR VIEW – ANFIELD INDEX ANALYSIS
Liverpool fans will view the Ekitike links with cautious optimism. On one hand, his goal return in Germany is eye-catching — 22 goals in 48 games proves he can finish and operate in a competitive league. His blend of strength, athleticism, and movement seems ideal for Arne Slot’s pressing and transition-heavy style.
But €100 million? That’s a tall order. Unless Frankfurt soften their stance or Liverpool offload players like Nunez for big money, a nine-figure move feels unlikely. However, if Nunez does depart, and funds from Kelleher and potentially others are reinvested, then a big splash on someone like Ekitike isn’t off the table.
There’s also the question of fit. Is Ekitike a guaranteed starter? Would he thrive in the chaos and intensity of the Premier League? Or is this a case of another young talent with promise but uncertainty?
Still, the fact that we’re consistently mentioned shows intent. Liverpool are evolving their attacking options, and Ekitike might just be the next piece of that puzzle.