Hugo Ekitike is one of the most sought-after strikers on the transfer market at the moment due to his age and the performances he’s put in throughout the 2024-25 season.
The Frenchman is naturally a striker, but with the way he runs off the ball and helps control the game, he often drifts off to either flank to ensure his team have the best possible chance of making the most out of their attacks.
One of the key areas Liverpool need to strengthen this summer is their strikeforce, especially since Darwin Nunez looks to be on his way out.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
And, after the latest news to have emerged regarding Ekitike’s future, it seems like the stars are aligning for Arne Slot and his men.
Chelsea fail to reach agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike
With the Club World Cup set to kick off over the next couple of weeks, clubs that are in that competition are trying their best to strengthen their ranks before they take on their opponents.
FIFA have recently re-jigged the Club World Cup to allow it to become a tournament where the later you drop out, the more money you earn.
Hence why clubs such as Chelsea are looking to do some extra business to give themselves a better chance of winning.
However, as per a report from Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, it seems like the Blues will miss out on Ekitike this summer as they couldn’t come to an agreement with Frankfurt.
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“A Club World Cup deal for Hugo Ekitike to Chelsea FC has collapsed,” he wrote via his personal X account.
“There is still no full agreement and no official offer to Eintracht Frankfurt.
“Chelsea and Ekitike remain in talks for the summer transfer window – but Liverpool are still in the race.
“One to watch in the coming weeks.”
🚨🔵 A Club World Cup deal for Hugo #Ekitike to Chelsea FC has collapsed. There is still no full agreement and no official offer to Eintracht Frankfurt. #CFC
Chelsea and Ekitike remain in talks for the summer transfer window – but Liverpool are still in the race. #LFC
One to… pic.twitter.com/i6lOMS0UTt
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 10, 2025
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How Hugo Ekitike would fit into Liverpool’s set-up
Even though a club-record deal for Florian Wirtz is now nearing completion, it still feels like Liverpool have plenty of work to do before they’re happy with their team.
Indeed, the Reds were a fairly dominant force over the last season or so, but that doesn’t mean that things are going to pan out like that next term as well.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has already left for Real Madrid, and others also look to be heading towards the exit door as the transfer window goes on.
As mentioned, Nunez is the latest name linked with an Anfield exit, and, as has been the case for the last few weeks, Luis Diaz’s future is also up in the air.
Ekitike’s versatility to be able to play on the wing is a highly desired quality for Slot, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that signing him would be a risk.
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The 2024-25 season is the first in his career that he’s hit 15 goals, with the Frenchman being less than prolific in the vast majority of his previous campaigns.
This alone is a worry, especially since Ekitike would cost around £85million to prise away from the Bundesliga.
He’d fit right into the role left by Nunez or Diaz’s departure, but at the moment, it’s anyone’s guess how Slot’s team could look by the start of the 2025-26 campaign.