Liverpool Initiate Talks with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike Transfer
Liverpool have begun negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential transfer for striker Hugo Ekitike, as the club looks to reshape its attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Reds have placed the 23-year-old French forward high on their shortlist, alongside long-time target Alexander Isak of Newcastle United. While Liverpool remain keen on Isak, Newcastle are firm in their stance that the Swedish striker is not for sale this summer — even after Liverpool expressed readiness to table an offer exceeding £100 million.
As a result, Liverpool have shifted focus to Ekitike, who has become one of Europe’s hottest young attacking prospects. The former PSG and Reims striker played a pivotal role in helping Frankfurt secure a Champions League spot last season, significantly boosting his reputation.
Sources confirm that preliminary discussions between Liverpool and Frankfurt have taken place within the past 48 hours, with a formal bid expected soon.
Interestingly, Newcastle are also in the race for Ekitike, but saw their recent €80 million (£69.4m) bid rejected by Frankfurt. The German club reportedly values the striker closer to €100 million (£86.7m).
Ekitike, who joined Frankfurt in early 2024 following a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, now finds himself at the centre of a high-profile transfer battle.
Liverpool are believed to be targeting at least one central striker this summer, particularly with Darwin Núñez’s future uncertain. Napoli have reportedly cooled their interest, but both AC Milan and Saudi club Al-Hilal remain potential destinations for the Uruguayan forward.
Additionally, Luis Díaz, who was occasionally deployed as a central attacker last season, continues to attract attention from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Bayern are expected to return with a revised offer after Liverpool rejected their initial €67.5 million (£58.6m) bid earlier this week.
There are also doubts over the long-term future of Federico Chiesa, while the club continues to mourn the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who, along with his brother André Silva, died in a car accident earlier this month.
With multiple forward options potentially departing, Liverpool are accelerating efforts to secure Ekitike as a key addition to their attacking lineup.
