Liverpool Lead Race for Hugo Ekitike as Anfield Becomes Preferred Destination
Liverpool have emerged as front-runners to sign Hugo Ekitike, with the French striker favouring a move to Anfield over a switch to Newcastle United. The Reds are now preparing a formal offer exceeding £70 million after Eintracht Frankfurt turned down a similar bid from Newcastle earlier this week.
Discussions are progressing quickly, with Liverpool informing the Bundesliga club of their intent to bid after making initial contact on Wednesday. Ekitike, 23, has made it clear that he wants to join the Merseyside club, and talks between the two sides are now in full swing.
Although Liverpool also maintain an interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, securing the Swedish international would require a record-breaking transfer. With Newcastle setting a price tag around £120 million and refusing to entertain offers, the Reds have shifted their focus firmly to Ekitike—ironically a player long admired by the Magpies.
Ekitike Moves to Top of Liverpool’s Striker Wishlist
With Frankfurt willing to sell if their valuation is met, Ekitike has become Liverpool’s primary attacking target. Despite Frankfurt’s qualification for the Champions League, the German side view this summer as the ideal time to cash in on the former PSG forward and reinvest in their squad.
Newcastle’s unwillingness to sell Isak—despite his reported dissatisfaction over not receiving a new contract—has opened the door for Liverpool to step in and snap up one of their key targets.
Changes Expected in Liverpool’s Attack
The Reds are in the market for a new striker, especially with Darwin Núñez potentially heading for the exit if interested clubs come forward. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are reportedly preparing a second offer for Luis Díaz after Liverpool rejected a £58.6 million bid earlier this week.
Liverpool have already been active in the transfer window, completing a blockbuster £100 million deal for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen (rising to £116m with add-ons) and paying £29 million for right-back Jeremie Frimpong from the same club. They’ve also secured left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40 million and finalized a £30 million agreement with Valencia last summer for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
With Isak seemingly off the table, Liverpool are confident that Ekitike—who bears a similar playing style to the Swedish forward—can develop into a top-tier No.9.
Newcastle Turn to Wissa After Ekitike Snub, Face Battle with Brentford
With Hugo Ekitike set on a move to Liverpool, Newcastle United are urgently looking to bring in a new striker to support Alexander Isak—and have now turned their attention to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
However, the Magpies face stiff resistance. Brentford are keen to hold on to the Congolese forward after he delivered an impressive 19-goal campaign in the Premier League last season. Their resolve is further strengthened by the potential departure of Bryan Mbeumo, who is pushing for a transfer to Manchester United and has already rejected a move to Newcastle.
Given this, Newcastle understand they need to act quickly if they want to secure Wissa, with any potential deal possibly impacting United’s transfer plans at Old Trafford as well.
