Liverpool Break The Bank For Ekitike – French Striker Signs Six-Year Deal

Liverpool have agreed to pay up to €95 million to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, after the 23-year-old forward made clear his preference was to join the Anfield club over rivals such as Manchester United and Newcastle United.

WHAT HAPPENED

Liverpool stepped up their pursuit of a new striker after Alexander Isak, their top target, suffered an injury while playing for Newcastle over the weekend. With Isak since ruled out for three months, the Reds have decided to move quickly to complete a deal for Ekitike, who has already indicated his willingness to move to Merseyside.

Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 matches last season for Eintracht Frankfurt, and has scored four in 22 games for the France national team since making his debut. Liverpool initially saw a bid of €75 million knocked back, but have returned with an improved offer that is likely to reach €95 million with add-ons.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Frankfurt coach Edin Terzic has admitted it is unlikely the club will be able to rebuff interest from Liverpool, and reports in Germany have suggested Ekitike has already agreed personal terms with the Reds over a six-year contract. Liverpool are pushing to complete a deal as quickly as possible so that Ekitike could even make his debut in the Reds’ Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on matchday 1.

Liverpool are reigning champions of the Premier League, and will want to start their league season with the right foot. Darwin Nuñez is expected to leave the club after an unsuccessful spell at Anfield, and with the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, the team is in need for a reliable, starting striker for next season. The team has received offers for Luis Diaz, but is not willing to entertain offers for the Colombian winger as they prepare for the new season.

WHAT NEXT?

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Ekitike despite indications that Isak had forcefully challenged Newcastle’s decision not to accept a £100 million bid for him on Sunday. Sources close to Isak told GOAL on Monday the player had not demanded Newcastle lower their asking price for him, although he had made it evident he was willing to listen to a transfer offer from Liverpool.

Instead, Isak suffered an injury on the weeken’s preparation game, and Terzic acknowledged that development put his club in a difficult position in their efforts to keep Ekitike. Newcastle made a fresh approach to increase the terms on offer in Isak’s contract, but Eddie Howe and Terzic are understood to have ruled out a sale in this window.

However, Terzic accepts he is unlikely to stand in Ekitike’s way, especially now the club have accepted Liverpool’s offer for the forward.