Hugo Ekitike
IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY IMAGES
Liverpool have made their move to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer amid strong interest from Newcastle United.
Frankfurt have already rejected Newcastle’s formal £70m bid for the 23-year-old, who they value at £85m.
The Magpies have already held talks with Ekitike’s representatives in Austria.
Eddie Howe’s side are trying to land Ekitike this summer for a third time after failed attempts in January and the summer of 2022.
He banged in 22 goals in 48 games across all competitions last season for Frankfurt as they secured Champions League qualification.
Ekitike joined Frankfurt permanently in a deal worth €17.5m in the summer of 2024, following a loan spell from PSG in the previous campaign.
Speaking about Ekitike’s future, Frankfurt defender Timothy Chandler revealed that he’s aware that the forward could move on.
“I really don’t think so, I have to say it,” Chandler told BILD. “He’s very open about it; we talked about it on the first day (of pre-season).
Ekitike and Alexander Isak are high on Liverpool’s radar.
Isak is reportedly keen to move to Anfield, however, the Reds would have to break the British transfer record once again this summer.
Newcastle are not prepared to part ways with the Sweden international this summer, hence Liverpool are set to rival them for their no.1 target Ekitike.
Ekitike has turned down a move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal despite the club making it clear to Frankfurt that their asking price of €100 million is not a problem.
According to The Athletic, the Reds have made contact with Frankfurt over a possible move for Ekitike.
The Bundesliga side now received an approach from Liverpool, too, as the Premier League champions look to strengthen their attack.
Read more: Bayern Munich prepare second offer for Luis Diaz
Exclusive: Arsenal make move to beat Liverpool to striker signing
Hugo Ekitike rejects move from Eintracht Frankfurt
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.