According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea’s efforts to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in time for the Club world Cup have failed.
They remain in the race for sign him for next season, with Liverpool FC also in the hunt for the French striker.
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
With Liverpool focused on completing the Florian Wirtz and Milo Kerkez deals, Chelsea have had the opportunity to negotiate for Ekitike first, however they’ve been unable to come to terms with both Frankfurt (with rumours of Chelsea being unwilling to meet Frankfurt’s €100m asking price) and the player’s terms.
Here are some things you can potentially take away from the lack of developments in this transfer chase:
Hugo Ekitike either already has a holiday booked or he really doesn’t want to play in the Club World Cup (Smart man!)
No one cares for the €100m price tag Frankfurt has set
He’s (potentially) waiting for Liverpool (Also very smart!)
Of all the strikers on the market, Ekitike really is the only stylistic fit for Liverpool. He’s pretty similiar to Darwin, but with what looks like better decision-making and a little more sauce to his dribbling. I’d expect the chase to heat up after this week when the Reds are done putting pen to paper on those other deals.