The chase for Hugo Ekitike has become one of the hottest stories of the 2025/26 transfer window. The French forward of Eintracht Frankfurt, just 23 years old, is the center of a tug-of-war between Liverpool and Newcastle, two Premier League giants with high hopes for next season. Liverpool made the initial move, having identified Ekitike as a top target after backing out of a potential deal for Isak. But the Reds soon found themselves facing stiff competition from the Magpies.
Newcastle have made an opening bid of £70m, which Frankfurt rejected. Now Liverpool are working behind the scenes to improve that offer and try to conclude the deal by the end of the week. The report, which was initially revealed by the BBC, sent the market into shock.
Newcastle made the first move, but Liverpool moved swiftly
Newcastle's interest did not come out of the blue. The club were already preparing for a potential exit of Alexander Isak, who's being circled by several of Europe's top clubs. Getting ahead of the game, they lodged a £70 million bid with Eintracht Frankfurt. Ekitike was seen as the ideal replacement. The offer, however, was not enough.
With that rejection, Liverpool stepped in with intent. The Reds see Ekitike as a central part of their attacking overhaul and a way of maintaining the technical level they're after. The club has spent £186 million already this window, signing Frimpong and Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, and left-back Kerkez from Bournemouth. Securing Ekitike before preseason is now the focus, giving the manager a chance to integrate all signings smoothly.
There was genuine interest in Isak, but that avenue was relegated to the backburner due to cost and Newcastle's hardball. That left Ekitike as Liverpool's preferred choice.
Ekitike represents value, stats and long-term potential
For a person his age, Hugo Ekitike has been on everyone's radar across Europe for a few seasons now. He came through the ranks at Reims, where his good goalscoring record and attacking football had him in the limelight. His transition has been slow since making the switch to Frankfurt, which did nothing but further raise his market value.
Now, with two Premier League giants lurking, the stakes are even higher. The £70 million already on the table is not to be sneezed at, but with pressure coming from all sides, Frankfurt can anticipate offers of £80 or even £90 million sooner rather than later. And they are aware of it.