Liverpool has signed French winger Hugo Ekitike from German side Eintracht Frankfurt. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, whose source said the Premier League outfit will activate about €90 million for the 22-year-old, the deal has happened. Ekitike has scored 22 times in all competitions at the culmination of the previous season in addition to 12 assists. His contract now has an extension to June 2031.
Newcastle interest and Frankfurt call
Newcastle attempted to buy Ekitike, reportedly for £70 million. Frankfurt, however, chose the Liverpool contract. Their club bought the striker from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for just €17 million. His market value increased by a lot in the space of one year. Their sale to Liverpool choice was an indication of the club plan in harmony with the will of the player to be in the list at Anfield.
Ekitike burst at Reims in France and made an early impact in his senior pro career. He wasn’t being awarded much playing time at PSG and was transferred after playing a solitary season. At Frankfurt, minutes came his way that he longed for and produced, goals, assists, steady returns. His goal spree kindled renewed interests in him by Premier League clubs. Liverpool moved fast, made the negotiations straightforward, and closed the deal without further ceremony.
What it means to Newcastle and what comes next
Newcastle had the Frenchman in their view as the plan B if Alexander Isak would leave. Isak wasn’t even in the roster for the start of the preseason friendly, further sparking speculations. It was considered a fair solution to sign the Frenchman, yet Liverpool couldn’t be beaten in price, plus they couldn’t convince the player to join.
The negotiations stop, they signed the contract. Liverpool has yet to officially confirm the signing, however, Romano confirms that the signing has in fact been finalised. Paperwork still remains, to be finalised in the near future. Frankfurt has yet to officially release, however, sources that are involved in the deal all indicate that the deal will be officially made in the near future.