Ekitike Set to Join Liverpool as Arne Slot Targets Champions League Success
Liverpool are nearing the completion of a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who is in London for his medical ahead of a £79 million transfer to Anfield. This move will take the club’s summer spending close to £300 million.
Following a Premier League title in his debut season, manager Arne Slot is strengthening his squad to mount a serious challenge for the Champions League. Ekitike would become the club’s fifth addition this summer, following the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Ekitike had an outstanding season with Frankfurt, notching 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. The 23-year-old is expected to fill the central striker role Liverpool lacked last season, despite Mohamed Salah’s remarkable 29-goal campaign.
Leading Liverpool’s Attack
While Salah’s form propelled Liverpool to the title, Slot is aiming to diversify the team’s goal sources. Ekitike offers just that – a centre forward with speed, creativity, and the ability to bring others into play. His style suits Liverpool’s counter-attacking system, which was the most productive in the Premier League last season with 14 goals from fast breaks.
Though Ekitike’s finishing could improve – he scored 15 goals from an expected goals (xG) of 21.6 – his positioning and movement are promising signs for Slot, who has a reputation for improving players.
Possible Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Option as Part of a Front Two
Ekitike’s versatility also allows him to be used in a dual-striker system. His movement and intelligence create space for others, ideal against teams that sit deep. If paired with Wirtz or Gakpo, Ekitike could either act as the focal point or drop deeper to facilitate attacks.
Alternate Line-up (4-2-2-2):
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Wirtz; Ekitike
Capable on the Left Wing
Although signed primarily as a centre forward, Ekitike has the ability to operate on the left flank. His physicality and pace make him a difficult opponent in wide areas, even if he’s played there only occasionally.
Given Liverpool’s heavy fixture schedule across multiple competitions, Ekitike’s flexibility will be valuable. His willingness to drift wide and link play adds another dimension to Slot’s attacking setup.
Rotational Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike; Gakpo
With this high-profile addition, Liverpool appear well-equipped to defend their Premier League crown and launch a serious Champions League campaign. Ekitike fills the striker gap they were seeking to address in the transfer window.
