Liverpool have reportedly agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), with potential add-ons of £10 million that could take the total to £79 million.
The Premier League champions had previously been interested in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but the Magpies refused to sell the Sweden striker, who is valued at around £150 million.
Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in signing Ekitike, but Liverpool appear to have won the race for the 23-year-old Frenchman.
Ekitike has impressed with 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt last season, and his signing would be a significant boost to Liverpool’s attacking lineup.
The Reds have been active in the transfer market, signing Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz for £116 million, as well as defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
They have also agreed to sign Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike is partly driven by the need to fill the gap left by Diogo Jota’s recent passing.
The club is also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.
Ekitike was an unused substitute in Frankfurt’s pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller admitting that the player’s impending departure was “a bitter loss”.
”Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike is expected to join Liverpool on their pre-season tour of Asia. ”
AFP
