Liverpool is emerging as a strong contender in the race to sign striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, with reports indicating that offers for the promising forward are expected imminently.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes temporarily paused all transfer activity following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, with the entire club focused on paying tribute to their beloved Portuguese forward. Now alongside continuing to honor the 28-year-old, Hughes is set to resume his work in the transfer market as Liverpool continue preparations for a Premier League title push.
The Reds have already made a statement in the summer window, breaking their transfer record to land Florian Wirtz and adding Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and goalkeepers Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman to strengthen the squad. With Darwin Nunez expected to depart Anfield, the door is now open for a new striker to arrive.
Liverpool, alongside Manchester United and Newcastle, is said to be the top three clubs in the race to sign the 23-year-old. According to Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt are keen to keep hold of Ekitike, as it prepares for its first Champions League campaign since the 2022/23 season.
Liverpool’s recruitment team are said to have been highly impressed by Ekitike following his standout season at the Bundesliga club, where he netted 22 goals in 48 appearances. With interest from Anfield growing, Frankfurt is reportedly bracing for a formal offer from the Reds and have already moved to sign his potential replacement — Jonathan Burkardt, who joined from Mainz in a $27 million deal.
Two key factors are believed to be driving Liverpool’s pursuit. Firstly, the club is reluctant to meet Frankfurt’s steep $117 million valuation. However, there is a growing belief at Anfield that the German side will eventually lower its asking price, which could accelerate negotiations for the 23-year-old forward.
However, the French striker remains a secondary option, with Liverpool’s top target still believed to be Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.
Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig at Deutsche Bank Park on April 26, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Eintract Frankfurt is reportedly expecting offers for Hugo Ekitike (Image: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Isak is viewed as the ideal addition by the Anfield hierarchy, but Newcastle have made it clear they have no intention of selling its prized forward — even if it brings in another striker this summer.
From Liverpool’s perspective, Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike could be interpreted as a potential move to replace Isak, which has only added urgency to Liverpool’s plans. If the Magpies pursuit of Isak fails, the Reds are expected to move quickly for Ekitike to avoid being beaten to a player they also rate highly.
Frankfurt has developed a reputation as tough negotiators, and the ongoing Ekitike saga appears to be no exception. Sporting director Markus Krösche has been forthright in his stance regarding the potential sale of the French striker, making it clear that any deal will be on the club’s terms.
"If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us," he said. We don’t have to sell Hugo.”