Liverpool is stepping up in their search for a new striker. According to French media, the English champions have reached a personal agreement with Hugo Ekitiké. Talks with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding the French forward are ongoing.
Earlier this week, according to several media outlets, Eintracht Frankfurt rejected a substantial €75 million bid from Newcastle United for Hugo Ekitiké.
The French striker, who enjoyed a breakout season with the German club, has quickly become one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. Newcastle’s approach for the 23-year-old was a clear statement of intent, but despite the hefty offer, Frankfurt remained firm in their valuation, signaling that Ekitiké would only leave for a fee closer to €100 million.
At that time, the focus was still very much on Newcastle, who were actively searching for reinforcements in attack to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season. Simultaneously, however, Liverpool had been monitoring the situation closely. The Reds, now under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, were reportedly ready to make their own significant move in the transfer market. Their initial plan had been to test Newcastle’s resolve over Alexander Isak, another striker who has been outstanding in the Premier League. According to reports from the English press, Liverpool were prepared to submit a record-breaking bid for Isak, but Newcastle immediately shut down any possibility of a sale, declaring the Swedish international untouchable.
Faced with Newcastle’s firm stance, Liverpool quickly recalibrated their strategy. The Merseyside club shifted their attention to Ekitiké, recognizing not only his goalscoring prowess but also his potential to grow further under Slot’s philosophy. The Reds communicated to Frankfurt that they were willing to go beyond the offer made by Newcastle, signaling their serious interest in securing the forward’s signature. This assertive approach effectively pushed Newcastle out of the race, leaving Liverpool in pole position.
Reports from France, particularly RMC Sport, have since revealed that Liverpool has reached a personal agreement with Ekitiké. The French youth international, who previously had stints with Stade Reims and Paris Saint-Germain, is said to be eager to join the Anfield side, having long admired the club’s history, stature, and attacking style of play. For Ekitiké, a move to Liverpool represents not just a step up in terms of competition but also the chance to develop alongside some of the Premier League’s best talents.
Nevertheless, Liverpool still faces the challenge of agreeing terms with Frankfurt. The German side, who secured a third-place finish in the Bundesliga last season and earned a spot in the Champions League, are under no financial pressure to sell. They acquired Ekitiké permanently from PSG for €16.5 million after a successful loan spell, a move that has since proven to be a masterstroke. The striker netted 26 goals across all competitions, helping Frankfurt compete strongly both domestically and in Europe.
Frankfurt's valuation of Ekitiké has reportedly been set at around €100 million, a figure that reflects not only his current ability but also his future potential. Liverpool, according to The Athletic, has already tabled an offer exceeding €80 million, a significant bid that demonstrates their determination to finalize the transfer. While Frankfurt has yet to formally accept the offer, the willingness of the player to make the switch could be a decisive factor in pushing the deal through.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s failed pursuit of Ekitiké has led them to reassess their transfer targets. The club has now shifted their focus to Yoane Wissa, the dynamic Brentford forward who has quietly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective attackers. Wissa, 28, has been instrumental in Brentford’s recent successes, bringing pace, power, and versatility to their frontline.
Newcastle’s interest in Wissa could ignite another competitive transfer saga. Brentford are known for their tough negotiating stance and are reluctant to part with both of their star forwards in the same window. If Wissa is sold, the expectation within the club is that Bryan Mbeumo must stay. However, Mbeumo himself is attracting significant attention, particularly from Manchester United, who are in the market for attacking reinforcements.
United’s interest in Mbeumo is well-documented, yet the club is reportedly balking at Brentford’s €80 million asking price. With the Red Devils working within financial constraints imposed by UEFA’s financial sustainability rules, they may need to offload players before committing to such an expensive acquisition. That hesitation could give other clubs an opening, especially with Brentford keen to maintain balance in their squad.
In the broader context of the transfer market, these moves reflect a growing trend among top Premier League clubs to secure younger, high-potential forwards capable of delivering immediately while also offering long-term value. The battle for players like Ekitiké, Wissa, and Mbeumo underscores the fierce competition for elite talent, especially with Champions League football on the line for many of these sides.
For Liverpool, securing Ekitiké would not only signal the start of the Arne Slot era with a marquee signing but also ensure that the club remains competitive at the top of English football. The French striker’s arrival would complement the existing attacking options at Anfield and provide fresh dynamism to a squad eager to reclaim domestic and European honours.
