Hugo Ekitike Emerges as Liverpool’s €100m Summer Target

Hugo Ekitike has shot to the top of Liverpool’s attacking wish-list as Anfield chiefs weigh up a nine-figure bid that would pit them against Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester United for the Eintracht Frankfurt forward’s signature.

Liverpool’s Striker Dilemma

Darwin Núñez ended 2023-24 with 18 goals, yet inconsistency in big moments has nudged the recruitment team toward fresh options. New head coach Arne Slot is determined to install a fluid 4-2-3-1 in which the No. 9 plays a dual role as finisher and facilitator. With Diogo Jota’s fitness record patchy and Mohamed Salah entering the final year of his contract, an agile 23-year-old like Hugo Ekitike ticks multiple long-term boxes.

Why Hugo Ekitike Fits Slot’s System

At 6ft 2in, the rangy Frenchman combines the physical profile of a traditional target man with the movement and link-up play Slot expects from his front line. During the Rückrunde, Hugo Ekitike operated across the front three for Frankfurt, averaging 0.54 non-penalty goals per 90 and ranking in the Bundesliga’s top 10 percentile for progressive carries. His ability to press from the front—23.8 pressures per 90—mirrors the intensity metric Liverpool’s analytics department prioritises.

Numbers Behind the Breakout

• 17 direct goal contributions in 28 appearances
• 48 % shot-on-target rate, higher than Núñez (42 %) and Isak (46 %)
• 7 headed goals, an area Liverpool lost ground in after Roberto Firmino’s exit

Competition from Premier League Rivals

Newcastle remain keen despite pulling out of a January loan, Arsenal view the Frenchman as a potential understudy to Gabriel Jesus, while Manchester United’s new minority owners are scouring Europe for value under Financial Fair Play. All three have registered interest, yet Liverpool’s Champions League return and reputation for nurturing young talent could hand them the edge if Hugo Ekitike prioritises development.

The Frankfurt Stance and Price Tag

Eintracht paid Paris Saint-Germain an initial €15 million in February and inserted a hefty sell-on clause. Sources in Germany claim sporting director Markus Krösche will not entertain offers below €100 million, pointing to Randal Kolo Muani’s €95 million move to PSG as a benchmark. However, the Bundesliga outfit need funds to overhaul a squad that finished sixth, indicating room for negotiation—especially if a deal is front-loaded with performance bonuses.

Potential Domino Effect with Isak

Liverpool’s hierarchy still admire Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, yet the Magpies have privately set his value at £120 million. Should wealth-conscious owners at St James’ Park resist all bids, the Reds are expected to accelerate talks for Hugo Ekitike. Conversely, if Isak leaves Tyneside, Newcastle could pivot back to the Frankfurt star they briefly courted, complicating matters for everyone.

Transfer Logistics and Timeline

Frankfurt expect preliminary proposals before the European Championship kicks off in mid-June. Liverpool have already conducted multiple video-analysis meetings on Hugo Ekitike and sent scouts to his final three league matches. Personal terms are unlikely to be a stumbling block; the striker currently earns a modest €90,000 per week, and Liverpool can comfortably double that figure while still keeping their wage structure intact.

Key Dates

• 14 June: Transfer window opens in England
• 17 June: Slot’s first training session at Kirkby
• 30 June: Frankfurt’s fiscal year ends—an incentive to bank early profit
• 8 July: Liverpool depart for U.S. pre-season tour, by which time Slot wants clarity

Verdict: Should Liverpool Pull the Trigger?

With Salah’s future unresolved and Núñez yet to cement his status as an elite finisher, Hugo Ekitike offers upside, resale value and stylistic compatibility with Slot’s pressing blueprint. The €100 million fee is steep, but amortised over a five-year deal, it aligns with FSG’s preference for investing in high-ceiling assets under 25. If Newcastle stand firm on Isak, Liverpool would be wise to divert resources toward the French alternative before rivals close in.

Opinion

Paying nine figures for potential always carries risk, yet Liverpool’s track record—think Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo—shows they rarely miss when analytics and coaching philosophy converge. Ekitike might not be the finished article, but his trajectory suggests he could be the next Anfield success story if the Reds act decisively.