In a significant development for Liverpool’s 2025 transfer window, the Premier League champions have submitted an official bid for Hugo Ekitike to Eintracht Frankfurt for the 23-year-old striker, only to see it rejected as the Bundesliga club demands a higher fee, according to a July 17, 2025, report by Sky Sports.
Despite the setback, talks between the clubs are ongoing, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming on X that Ekitike has agreed to personal terms and is keen to join Liverpool, fuelling excitement among fans as the Reds aim to bolster their attack following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has taken a decisive step forward with the club’s first official bid for the French striker, marking a pivotal moment in their 2025 transfer strategy.
The Hugo Ekitike bid, reported by Sky Sports on July 17, 2025, follows weeks of speculation and contact between Liverpool and Frankfurt, with the Reds aiming to secure a new No. 9 to strengthen their squad under manager Arne Slot.
Despite Eintracht rejecting the initial offer, citing a valuation closer to Ekitike’s €100 million (£86.5 million) release clause, negotiations continue, with the player expressing a clear preference for Anfield over rivals like Newcastle United.
Ekitike, who scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances for Frankfurt during the 2024/25 season, has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool after Newcastle’s £70 million bid was turned down earlier in the week.
The 6 ft 3 in striker, known for his pace, technical ability, and versatility, helped Frankfurt secure a third-place finish in the Bundesliga, earning Champions League qualification.
His impressive stats, including 15 league goals and 117 shots, the most in the Bundesliga, make him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s high-pressing system, with The Athletic noting his ability to complement stars like Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz.
The Liverpool transfer talks of 2025 have been shaped by the club’s need to replace departing forwards, with Darwin Nunez linked to Napoli and Luis Diaz signalling his intent to leave.
The tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car accident on July 3, 2025, has added urgency to Liverpool’s search for a new striker, with Ekitike’s profile aligning with their focus on young, high-potential talents.
The Guardian reported that Ekitike has agreed in principle to a six-year contract, with personal terms posing no obstacle, as the player has rejected approaches from Manchester United and Newcastle in favour of Liverpool.
Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike, a player they pursued in 2022 before he joined Paris Saint-Germain, has waned after Frankfurt’s rejection of their club-record £70 million offer.
The Athletic noted on July 17 that Newcastle has shifted focus to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, leaving Liverpool as the frontrunner.
Fans show excitement, with @AnfieldEdition stating, “Ekitike’s preference for LFC is huge!” while others speculate about a potential domino effect if Liverpool secures the deal before the weekend.
The Reds’ sporting director, Richard Hughes, is reportedly aiming to finalise the transfer swiftly, with BBC Sport indicating a deal worth over £70 million could be concluded soon.
Frankfurt’s high valuation stems from Ekitike’s breakout season and their strategic recruitment, having signed him permanently for €17.5 million in 2024 after a loan from PSG.
The club’s sporting director, Markus Krosche, told Sport 1 that Ekitike is among Europe’s most promising strikers, but they are open to a sale if their price is met.
Liverpool, having already broken the British transfer record for Florian Wirtz, are cautious about meeting the €100 million clause but believe Frankfurt may lower their demands, according to This Is Anfield.
The signing of Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz as a replacement further signals Frankfurt’s preparedness for Ekitike’s potential exit.
The Ekitike transfer saga has also drawn comparisons to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s initial top target, who is valued at £150 million and deemed unsellable by the Magpies.
Sky Sports reported on July 15 that Liverpool’s interest in Isak prompted their pivot to Ekitike, whose stylistic similarities – shot-heavy, creative, and effective on the counter – make him a viable alternative.
Fans have praised Ekitike’s “elite potential”, while others note his tactical fit in Slot’s system, particularly his ability to press and link play.
For those following Liverpool’s 2025 transfer news, the Ekitike bid underscores the club’s ambition to maintain its Premier League dominance.
The Reds’ recent signings, including Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, reflect a bold transfer window, but the need for a reliable striker remains critical.
Rousing The Kop reported that Liverpool’s initial bid was rejected, but ongoing talks suggest a deal is imminent, with Ekitike’s enthusiasm for the move boosting optimism.
