Liverpool have “approached” Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike over a summer move, according to a new update from journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
The Frenchman has emerged as one of the Reds’ attacking targets ahead of the summer transfer window, as well as the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.
Ekitike has stood out as one of the Bundesliga’s best players this season, scoring 15 goals and registering eight assists in the competition, also netting four times in the Europa League.
Taking to X, Hawkins claimed that Liverpool have “approached” the 22-year-old over moving to the club ahead of next season, but there is plenty of interest in his signature:
“Chelsea target Hugo Ekitike. The striker and Frankfurt agree to complete a transfer if the interests of all parties are respected. Frankfurt wants between €80 and €100 million. Several English clubs have approached the player and the club. Among them, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. The Blues’ interest is high. Paris Saint-Germain will have 20% of the capital gain made by the German club.”
Is Ekitike Liverpool’s best attacking option?
At 22, Ekitike is a raw player who may not yet be the finished article, but he has all the tools to be a huge success in a Liverpool shirt.
The Frankfurt star is such a big talent that he he has even been compared to Kylian Mbappe and Neymar by Wesley Sneijder, with the Dutchman saying:
“I might say something really crazy, but I’ll say it anyway: I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappe. I sincerely think so. He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappe. To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappe also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”
In truth, Isak is arguably the dream signing for Liverpool, but Newcastle United are clearly desperate to keep hold of their most prized asset, so a move feels highly unlikely.
Ekitike can be an upgrade on Darwin Nunez and Dioo Jota, both of whom could potentially move on this summer – the former has to move on – and be the leader of the Reds’ attack for many years to come.
Chelsea do appear to be in a strong position as things stand, though, so there is no guarantee that Liverpool will be able to strike a deal.