Liverpool have secured the services of French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal reportedly worth up to £79 million, marking another major statement of intent from the Premier League giants during this transfer window.
The agreement includes an initial fee of £69 million, with performance-based add-ons potentially pushing the total cost to £79 million. Ekitike completed his medical and agreed to personal terms earlier this week. He’s expected to join Arne Slot’s squad on their pre-season tour of Asia once international clearance is finalized.
Ekitike, 23, arrives on the back of an outstanding Bundesliga campaign, in which he scored 15 goals and contributed eight assists in 31 starts. His dynamic performances were instrumental in Frankfurt’s third-place finish, and his 117 shots on goal led the league — underlining his status as one of Europe’s most active and threatening forwards.
Liverpool fended off competition from Newcastle United, whose £70 million bid was turned down earlier this month. While the Merseyside club also monitored Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, they ultimately pivoted toward the younger, more versatile Ekitike.
The transfer is part of a sweeping rebuild under new manager Arne Slot. Liverpool’s summer outlay has now exceeded £250 million, following the headline-grabbing acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a potential £116 million. That was complemented by the double swoop for full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, costing a combined £70 million.
Ekitike’s signing adds depth and variety to Liverpool’s attacking options, which already include Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo. The Frenchman is expected to provide fluidity in the final third, known for his sharp movement, creative link-up play, and composed finishing.
His arrival symbolizes more than just a squad upgrade — it signals a strategic shift in Liverpool’s post-Klopp era. With Champions League football back on the agenda, Ekitike could play a central role in the club’s ambitions to reassert themselves at the summit of European football.
Supporters will get their first look at the forward in action during Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures in Asia.