Liverpool are optimistic about Hugo Ekitike having made requests to Eintracht Frankfurt over delaying a sale, as Chelsea and Manchester United remain interested.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are very much keen to bring Hugo Ekitike this summer, but they want the deal delayed with Eintracht Frankfurt. The French striker has come in for demand in this market, as Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on the attacker.
Liverpool are growing in confidence of signing Hugo Ekitike in this window, as Arne Slot is keen to bring in a new striker to bolster his attacking setup. The Merseysiders have started the window with a bang with the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong, while Florian Wirtz is also close to signing in a huge deal.
Arne Slot is keen to sell Darwin Nunez, with the striker attracting interest from Napoli and Saudi Arabian sides. However, any deal to sell the Uruguayan might take time owing to their high asking price as well as the player’s final preference, although there’s a certainty that Nunez will leave in this window.
Liverpool had been in contact to sign Ekitike since the start of the window, although they feel a move will materialise after the sale of Nunez. As Florian Plettenberg insists, Liverpool have asked Eintracht Frankfurt to delay the sale until they can find a solution for the Uruguayan, which will allow them the funds to make the move for the Frenchman.
Frankfurt are adamant about their €100 million asking price, as they have no intention of reducing that. From Plettenberg’s post, it appears Liverpool might be open to the idea of paying a fee close to that number, which in turn can allow them time to open channels with the German side at a later date.
Liverpool faces competition for Hugo Ekitike
While Liverpool are optimistic about landing the €100 million-rated striker, they do face intense competition from their domestic rivals. Manchester United are keen on Ekitike, as they are in search of a new striker to lead the line next season. There are links to Viktor Gyokeres, while some reports have indicated they are willing to revisit their interest in Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea are not happy with Ekitike’s asking price, and while they are still interested, the Blues have already landed Liam Delap. Whether they are open to adding another striker such as the €100 million-rated striker remains to be seen, as Liverpool might indeed have a slight upper hand should they be open to the idea of paying the right fee for Ekitike.