Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche has revealed why he believes the club's transfer strategy paved the way for Liverpool to secure Hugo Ekitike's signature.
The Reds captured the France international from the German side during the summer window. Ekitike joined as part of Liverpool's eight-strong summer recruitment drive. The 23-year-old has netted six times for the Reds since his Anfield arrival, though he hasn't troubled the scoresheet in Premier League action since September 20.
Liverpool wasn't alone in pursuing Ekitike throughout the summer, with Newcastle, Manchester United, and Chelsea all reportedly interested parties. Ultimately, the Reds prevailed in securing the France international.
Ekitike will be eager to rediscover his goalscoring touch when Premier League action resumes this weekend.
Prior to his Liverpool switch, Ekitike had forged a formidable attacking alliance at Frankfurt alongside Omar Marmoush.
The Egypt international subsequently completed a January move to Manchester City, and Krosche suggests it was precisely that transfer which allowed Ekitike to demonstrate the qualities that caught Liverpool's attention.
Ekitike scored during the November international break
Ekitike scored during the November international break (Image: Getty Images)
"There are times when you have to sign players from the outside, but we need to prepare our squad with the anticipation that people will leave - but that when they do, that will create opportunities for others to grow," said Krosche told The Athletic.
"With his speed and one-on-one ability, Bahoya replaced part of what Marmoush had given us.
"But it also allowed Hugo Ekitike to grow. Before he left, Omar was the key player, and he used all the attacking space.
"When we sold him, Ekitike grew into those areas and became the key player himself.
"We sold Kolo Muani. Omar got the playing time. That’s the reason he plays for Manchester City.
"But Hugo is at Liverpool now because we sold Omar in the winter.
"Sometimes it’s like this. Every situation impacts a squad differently.
"But if you balance your squad well, give the players your trust, then you can have the courage to let them go."