Eintracht Frankfurt's sporting director, Markus Krosche, has explained how other deals led to Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike from the Bundesliga side this summer.
Hugo Ekitike in action for Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool in a £79m deal this summer.
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Eintracht Frankfurt's sporting director, Markus Krosche, has revealed how the club's transfer strategy paved the way for Liverpool to snap-up French striker Hugo Ekitike. The Merseyside giants signed the six-cap international from the Bundesliga club this summer in a blockbuster deal.
Ekitike joined as part of Liverpool's summer recruitment drive, which included eight new signings, with his transfer potentially rising to £79million including add-ons. The 23-year-old has netted six times for the Anfield club since his arrival, though he hasn't been on the score-sheet in the Premier League since September 20.
Ekitike wasn't short of admirers during the summer window. Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea were all reportedly monitoring his situation.
However, Liverpool ultimately secured his signature. The France international will now be eager to rediscover his goal-scoring touch when top-flight football resumes this weekend.
Prior to his switch, Ekitike had forged a formidable striking partnership at Frankfurt alongside Omar Marmoush.
The Egypt forward subsequently moved to Manchester City back in January. And Krosche believes that particular transfer created the platform for Ekitike to demonstrate the qualities that attracted Liverpool's attention.
"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," Krosche told The Athletic.
Arne Slot chats to Hugo Ekitike.
Arne Slot signed Hugo Ekitike this summer.
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"With his speed and one-on-one ability, [Jean-Matteo] 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. He became the key player himself.
"We sold [Randal] 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."
Ekitike will be hoping to be included in the starting line-up on Saturday when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at Anfield. That's as the reigning champions to improve on their current eighth-placed position.
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