Liverpool Make Official Bid for Eintracht Frankfurt Striker Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool have officially offered to sign forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. However, their first bid was declined, and discussions between the clubs are ongoing.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Premier League champions submitted an official bid to Eintracht Frankfurt for the 23-year-old, but it was swiftly turned down because the German club want a higher transfer fee. Eintracht Frankfurt has set an £80 million price tag on Ekitike. However, negotiations remain active.

Standard Sport understands that personal terms are agreed with Ekitike, and the player hopes to move to Anfield. With Newcastle United dropping out of the race after believing Liverpool won’t be pursuing their main striker, Isak, any further. Liverpool are now firmly in control, although they plan to press ahead with a deal regardless of any other scenario.

LIVERPOOL’S NUMBERS PROBLEM UP FRONT

Standard Sport reported last month that Arne Slot had asked the board to sign a striker after the Premier League winners were informed that club-record signing Darwin Nunez wished to exit the club this summer. A previous update indicated that Liverpool rejected Napoli’s €55 million bid for Nunez.

While no striker will be sold, finding a goalscorer is a priority after the Reds were informed that another target, Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, was unavailable. Liverpool has made a record bid worth up to £120 million for Isak, but they are also interested in Ekitike if the Isak deal falls through.

Liverpool swiftly moved on to Eintracht wonderkid Ekitike, who scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 matches last season and is seen as an heir apparent to Nunez.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Talks are expected to continue in the coming days, with Liverpool likely to return with an improved bid for Ekitike. Eintracht are believed to value him at close to £100 million. A deal would likely end Eddie Howe’s hopes of signing a new forward or midfielder for Newcastle, and thua bringing the Premier League champions a step closer to completing a first-ever quad, and the club expect to shift their focus some time next week.