🔴 Liverpool Reignite Interest in Hugo Ekitike Amid €100m Standoff with Eintracht Frankfurt
Liverpool’s hunt for a new centre-forward continues to dominate transfer headlines, and the name Hugo Ekitike is once again front and centre.
According to Christian Falk in his Fact Files column for The Daily Briefing, the 22-year-old French striker is back on the radar for Europe’s elite, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal all monitoring the situation closely.
🗣️ “True ✅: The race is completely open again for Hugo Ekitike. In addition to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are still interested in the striker,” Falk confirmed.
📊 Ekitike’s Rise at Frankfurt
Since joining Eintracht Frankfurt from PSG in the January 2024 window, Ekitike has rediscovered his form, finishing the season with:
- 22 goals in 48 appearances
- A rejuvenated market value after a difficult stint in Ligue 1
The move to the Bundesliga has clearly paid off, with the Frenchman now emerging as a serious contender for a Premier League switch.
However, Frankfurt are standing firm. Reports indicate they have set a €100 million asking price, with Falk adding:
“Frankfurt have made it clear… if they don’t pay €100m, the player will stay.”
With Champions League football secured, Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell cheaply — and are taking a strong stance, much like they did during negotiations around Omar Marmoush.
🔍 Liverpool’s Striker Puzzle
Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike aligns with their strategic overhaul under Arne Slot. With Darwin Nunez expected to depart — as per reports from Fabrizio Romano — the Reds are looking for a more reliable and adaptable option to lead the line.
Ekitike, described as “Premier League-ready” by insiders, has the profile Slot appears to favour:
- Mobile and technically gifted
- Comfortable playing as a lone striker or in a two
- Proven ability to recover from setbacks and thrive in new systems
Still, the €100m fee could be a major stumbling block, especially considering Liverpool’s summer spending already includes big-money deals for Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
🧩 What Comes Next?
With Nunez’s exit nearing completion, and competition growing from Chelsea and Arsenal, Liverpool must decide whether Ekitike is worth the investment — or whether they’ll pivot to more cost-effective alternatives like Viktor Gyökeres or Alexander Isak, both of whom remain on the club’s shortlist.
As the transfer dominoes begin to fall, Ekitike’s next move could significantly shape Liverpool’s attack
🔴 Ekitike to Liverpool? Frankfurt Stand Firm as Reds Consider Next Move
Eintracht Frankfurt have drawn a line in the sand over Hugo Ekitike:
“If they don’t pay €100m, the player will stay.”
That’s the firm message coming from Germany, as Liverpool — along with Chelsea and Arsenal — continue to monitor the highly-rated 22-year-old striker. While the price tag may raise eyebrows, the volatile nature of the elite striker market means nothing is off the table.
⚙️ What’s Next for Liverpool?
With Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pecsi already signed and Florian Wirtz reportedly close, Arne Slot’s rebuild is gaining real momentum. Meanwhile, Caoimhin Kelleher’s exit to Brentford is expected to bring in fresh funds.
The departure of Darwin Nunez — now widely seen as a matter of when, not if — would be the domino that triggers Liverpool’s striker pursuit. Ekitike, keen on a Premier League move, could be one of the major beneficiaries.
🔍 Anfield Index: Our Take
Liverpool fans will likely meet the Ekitike links with cautious optimism.
✅ On one hand:
- 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt is a strong return in a top league.
- His pace, power, and pressing work seem tailor-made for Arne Slot’s system.
- At just 22, there’s room to grow — but also enough senior experience to contribute immediately.
❌ On the other:
- A €100 million fee is difficult to justify without major outgoings.
- Frankfurt’s strong Champions League position means they don’t have to sell.
- There’s uncertainty over whether Ekitike is ready to be a nailed-on starter in a squad competing for every trophy.
💭 Big Questions for Liverpool:
- Will Frankfurt’s valuation soften closer to deadline day?
- Is Ekitike seen as the solution or part of a broader attacking reshuffle?
- Would a Nunez exit directly fund this deal — or does Liverpool have alternatives?
🧩 The Bigger Picture
Even if this deal doesn’t materialize, Liverpool’s consistent links to Ekitike underscore a bigger message:
🔁 Arne Slot wants mobility, technique, and final-third intelligence from his next striker.
Whether it’s Ekitike, Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak, or someone else, the message is clear:
Liverpool are evolving — and the forward line is next.
