Liverpool are reportedly on the brink of securing their new striker, as negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike continue. The Reds have already dipped into the Bundesliga twice this summer, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, the latter setting a British record transfer fee at £116million.
With Newcastle’s Alexander Isak off the table, Liverpool is now focusing on a high-profile deal for Ekitike. The 23-year-old Frenchman is believed to have agreed personal terms, with a six-year contract on the table. As discussions over the transfer fee progress, Ekitike could be announced as Liverpool‘s latest marquee summer signing.
Should Ekitike sign on the dotted line in the coming weeks, he will likely need to choose a new squad number in what is a first immediate blow. He currently wears the No. 11 shirt at Frankfurt, who finished third in the Bundesliga last season. It’s unlikely that number will be available at Anfield due to its current occupant, Mohamed Salah.
However, the No. 9 shirt could be up for grabs, especially if Darwin Nunez departs in the near future. The Uruguayan forward has been linked with a move away, and Ekitike’s potential arrival would likely signal the end of Nunez’s stint at Anfield.
Napoli, previously interested in Nunez, appear to have withdrawn from negotiations.
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Ekitike caught the eye of Newcastle this summer after an impressive tally of 22 goals and 12 assists last season. However, negotiations with Frankfurt hit a snag over the transfer fee, prompting the Magpies to explore alternative options.
This development gave Liverpool an opportunity to secure the signature of the sought-after striker.
Should Liverpool manage to reach an agreement with Frankfurt for Ekitike, he would join the list of high-profile departures from the club, including Omar Marmoush who left in January.
Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche has openly acknowledged that Ekitike is set to move on from the German side. Speaking to Sport 1, he said: “He’s one of the most interesting strikers on the European market. Hugo has to decide that,” adding, “I’m glad we have him. If he decides otherwise, that’s our motto: If a player develops faster than us, we let him go.”