Liverpool FC is set to finalise the Hugo Ekitike deal with Eintracht Frankfurt today, focusing on the add-ons structure to complete a transfer potentially exceeding €90 million (£78m), according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 23-year-old French striker, who has made it clear that Liverpool is his absolute priority, has agreed to a six-year contract with the Premier League champions.
This move comes as Liverpool seeks to bolster their attacking line following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and the potential departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
The Hugo Ekitike deal has gained momentum after Liverpool shifted focus from Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, whose £150m valuation and “not for sale” stance halted negotiations.
Ekitike, who scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances for Frankfurt last season, emerged as a prime target due to his versatility, speed, and technical prowess.
His €100m (£86.7m) release clause has been a sticking point, but Liverpool’s latest offer of €80m (£69m) plus add-ons is close to Frankfurt’s expectations, with optimism that the deal could surpass the club’s record €95m sale of Randal Kolo Muani to PSG in 2023.
Discussions today aim to finalise performance-based add-ons, potentially pushing the total fee to a club-record sum for Frankfurt.
Ekitike’s breakout 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, where he tied for the league’s second-highest expected goals (21.6) and led with 117 shots, has drawn interest from Newcastle, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
However, the France U21 international has prioritised Liverpool, rejecting other offers, including a €75m bid from Newcastle. His tactical intelligence, ability to press, and flair in counter-attacks make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s high-pressing system.
Former teammate Mario Götze praised Ekitike’s “elite” qualities, noting his ability to complement players like Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Reds’ pursuit intensified after Nunez’s inconsistent performances and Diaz’s desire to leave, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona circling the winger.
Frankfurt’s reluctance to lower their valuation stems from Ekitike’s four-year contract and his pivotal role in securing Champions League qualification.
Initially signed on loan from PSG in January 2024 for €17.5m, Ekitike’s permanent move proved a bargain, but his 22 goals, including a standout strike against Tottenham in the Europa League, have elevated his market value.
Frankfurt’s manager, Dino Toppmoller, called his potential departure a “bitter loss”, but Ekitike’s transfer request and preference for Anfield have accelerated talks.
Liverpool’s financial health, with £48m in Profit & Sustainability Rule (PSR) compliance, allows them to pursue high-profile targets without immediate sales, though Nunez’s expected exit to Saudi Arabia or Napoli could further ease budget constraints.
Social media fans reflect excitement among Liverpool fans, with #EkitikeToLiverpool trending alongside posts praising his “unselfish” playstyle and potential to replace Nunez.
Critics, however, question the €100m valuation, citing Ekitike’s limited senior international experience and past struggles at PSG.
Fans also highlight comparisons to Isak, noting similar heat maps and penalty-box presence, suggesting Ekitike could seamlessly integrate into Slot’s tactics.
Trends online show spikes in searches for “Hugo Ekitike deal Liverpool” and “Eintracht Frankfurt transfer news”, reflecting global interest, including from Kenyan football fans tracking Premier League moves.
The deal’s structure, with add-ons tied to appearances, goals, and team success, is critical to balancing Liverpool’s investment and Frankfurt’s expectations.
If finalised, Ekitike would be Liverpool’s seventh summer signing, following Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, signalling an aggressive squad overhaul.
The transfer also shows Liverpool’s rivalry with Newcastle, who pivoted to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa after failing to secure Ekitike.
As talks progress today, the focus on add-ons could make or break this high-stakes move, with Ekitike poised to become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s title defence.
