Liverpool are on course to up the ante in their pursuit of luring Hugo Ekitike to Anfield by sending representatives to run the rule over him during the Bundesliga clash between current employers Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg on Saturday, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Reds boss Arne Slot is looking to raid the German top flight in the aftermath of being crowned Premier League champions, with discussions advancing to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, and there is a desire to make further alterations to the squad during the summer transfer window.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised to leave Liverpool, having announced his decision to walk away as a free agent instead of penning a new contract to remain on Merseyside, but Ekitike has been pinpointed as a potential attacking acquisition as preparations are made ahead of an attempted title defence.
Reds Ready to Monitor Ekitike's Performance
Merseyside giants weigh up attempting to land marksman
Hugo Ekitike in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
Liverpool are set to send scouts to watch Ekitike in action this weekend, according to GMS sources, as they continue to weigh up whether to offer a route out of Eintracht Frankfurt after Slot and owners Fenway Sports Group have decided to consider making a marquee signing as they go in search of further firepower.
The prolific marksman, who has been described as 'incredible' by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, has played a crucial role in his side moving to within touching distance of securing Champions League qualification ahead of a trip to Freiburg for the final encounter of the Bundesliga campaign on Saturday.
GMS sources have been informed that Liverpool are expected to be among a host of admirers in attendance at the Europa-Park Stadion due to there being a determination to assess Ekitike, who has racked up 33 goal involvements in all competitions this term, even though his £84million price tag could prove to be a stumbling block.
Hugo Ekitike's statistics for Eintracht Frankfurt this season
The Frenchman still has four years remaining on a contract worth close to £82,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, which could complicate matters for the Reds and other interested parties as it has enabled Eintracht Frankfurt to set lofty demands in an attempt to deter suitors from lodging a bid.
Liverpool have major reservations over whether Ekitike is worth his current valuation, GMS sources have learned, but they are still planning to monitor his performance in the decisive clash against fourth-placed Freiburg ahead of potentially heading to the negotiating table in the coming weeks.
Slot Could Battle With Rivals to Recruit Ekitike
Newcastle and Chelsea representatives keeping tabs on 22-year-old
Hugo Ekitike applauding the Eintracht Frankfurt supporters
GMS sources have been told that Liverpool are not the only suitors in line to keep tabs on Ekitike's display in his potential final appearance for Eintracht Frankfurt as Premier League counterparts Newcastle United and Chelsea are also poised to fly scouts out to the Bundesliga contest with Freiburg.
The 22-year-old has been in his current surroundings since joining on an initial loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2024, before an option to purchase him for close to £14million was activated, but his performances have resulted in it being increasingly likely that he will move onto pastures new before next term.
Ekitike will consider a switch if the right option comes along, GMS sources understand, even though he has been cautious about the next step in his career because of the damage caused by heading to the French capital too soon and struggling to make a significant impact at the Parc des Princes.
Bastian Schweinsteiger in action for Germany Related
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GMS sources recently revealed that Liverpool are set to hold fresh talks with Luis Diaz over a new contract after there have been fears that he could agitate for a switch to Barcelona if the opportunity arises, but Slot is still eager to improve his options in the final third of the pitch during the summer.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 13/05/2025
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