Liverpool have joined the chase to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who is valued at £84 million by the Bundesliga club. Discussions have already taken place, with new Reds manager Arne Slot reportedly a big fan of the French forward.
The Merseyside club is wasting no time in strengthening their squad this summer and appears willing to spend significantly. They are nearing a deal for Jeremie Frimpong and continue negotiations over a potential £100 million-plus move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
Ekitike has now emerged as a key target, with Sky Germany reporting that Chelsea are also monitoring the 22-year-old, who has flourished since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. He recently enjoyed his most prolific season yet, surpassing the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career.
Although Frankfurt have yet to receive any formal offers, sporting director Markus Krösche has suggested they’re open to selling if the player is ready to move on. “He’s one of the most exciting strikers in Europe right now. It’s Hugo’s decision,” Krösche told Sport1. “We’re happy to have him, but if a player outgrows our project, we let them go.”
Frankfurt have a solid track record of identifying talented strikers, which helped them secure a third-place league finish and Champions League qualification. Earlier this year, they sold Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for £59 million.
Liverpool are eager to boost their attacking options to reduce the pressure on Mohamed Salah. After a quiet transfer window last summer, Slot—fresh off guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title—is set to ramp up recruitment.
Their intent to strengthen the front line is further motivated by uncertainty surrounding some current players. Darwin Núñez has struggled to make a consistent impact and has attracted interest from Saudi clubs, while Luis Díaz is in ongoing contract negotiations.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot recently commented on the club’s summer strategy: “I don’t know how many [signings] we’ll make, but the club, Richard [Hughes], the ownership, we’re all aligned on our goals. The fact that we’ve kept Mo and Virgil is already a big positive, and other potential signings also look promising.”