🚨💣 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Liverpool is leading the race to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, with the striker agreeing to a contract until 2030 and talks now underway.

🔴 Liverpool’s Position

• Journalist Ben Jacobs reports Liverpool are leading the race, citing the player’s style fitting Arne Slot’s system better than Chelsea’s (Liverpool Offside).
• Initial talks have reportedly taken place between Liverpool officials (Slot/Edwards) and Ekitike’s camp (Bet365 News).
• Hudson have confirmed interest alongside clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal (Liverpool FC).

💶 Price & Negotiations

• Eintracht Frankfurt is demanding around €100 million (approx. £84–85 million) for Ekitike (Sky Sports).
• The club has insisted it won’t negotiate below that valuation—they “don’t have to sell” unless the price is right (This Is Anfield).
• Chelsea’s deal reportedly crashed, which has reopened the pathway for Liverpool to step forward (anfieldindex.com).

🧩 Why Liverpool?

• Ekitike’s pace, movement in transitions, and hold-up play align well with Liverpool’s tactical emphasis (Bet365 News).
• That cohesion may be a decisive factor compared to interest from Chelsea or Manchester United.

🏠 Ekitike’s Situation at Frankfurt

• At 22, Ekitike scored 15 Bundesliga goals and 8–9 assists in the 2024–25 season, helping Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League (The Sun).
• Frankfurt’s sporting director acknowledged they could sell him “if the price is right” (This Is Anfield).

🗓️ What Happens Next?

• Liverpool must finalize current deals (e.g. Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez) and likely offload someone like Darwin Núñez to free up funds (Liverpool Offside).
• With Chelsea’s interest cooling and United entering with an £85 million offer, Liverpool have an opening—but they must submit a matching bid soon to outpace rivals.

✅ Final Take

• Liverpool are well‑positioned, with talks underway and clear tactical alignment.
• The deciding factors will be:
  1. Meeting the €100 million valuation.
  2. Concluding Wirtz/Kerkez deals and possibly releasing current forwards.
  3. Striking first with a full offer before United or Chelsea regroup.

If Liverpool pull together their summer business effectively, they stand a strong chance of bringing Ekitike to Anfield.