Liverpool are showing strong interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of the summer transfer window, Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed.
The Premier League leaders have reportedly earmarked the French forward as a target for the starting number nine role at Anfield next season, as their priority option Alexander Isak is now unlikely to join.
The Sweden international is set to stay at Newcastle following their Champions League qualification, meaning Liverpool will have to look elsewhere in their striker search this summer.
A new arrival up front is likely if Darwin Nunez departs amid growing interest from Saudi Arabia and Spain.
Liverpool Focusing on Hugo Ekitike
As alternative to Alexander Isak
hugo ekitike frankfurt
Tavolieri, writing on X, has revealed that Liverpool are now ‘focusing’ on Ekitike as their striker target, with Isak set to remain at Newcastle this summer.
Ekitike, who joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain permanently last summer, scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this season.
The 'insane' French striker reportedly has a release clause worth €80m (£67m) in his contract, which runs until June 2029.
Liverpool are anticipating a busy start to the summer transfer window, as they are set to announce Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival and are in talks for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.
The Reds could end up breaking their transfer record to sign Wirtz, having submitted an initial bid worth in excess of €100m (£84m) for the Germany international.
Hugo Ekitike's Frankfurt Stats (2024/25 Bundesliga)
Games
Goals
Assists
Goal-creating actions
Minutes played
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Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 2 6 -05-25.