The transfer saga surrounding French forward Hugo Ekitike has taken a dramatic new turn. Reports from Germany reveal that the 23-year-old striker has officially submitted a transfer request to his current club, Eintracht Frankfurt, in a bold effort to accelerate his move to Liverpool during the 2025 summer transfer window.
This move underscores Ekitike’s strong desire to join Arne Slot’s squad at Anfield. The Dutch manager has been keen on adding a new striker to bolster Liverpool’s attacking force, especially after the club pulled out of negotiations for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak due to his £125 million price tag, which was deemed too steep.
Ekitike Determined to Join Premier League Giants
According to a report by Sport Bild, Ekitike is willing to take drastic measures to leave the Bundesliga behind and make his long-anticipated entry into the English Premier League. His ambition to don the iconic red jersey of Liverpool has led him to communicate his transfer request directly to the Frankfurt management, signaling how committed he is to making the deal happen.
The 23-year-old striker joined Frankfurt with high expectations, but it now seems his heart is set on a new chapter in England. Sources close to the situation suggest that Ekitike is not only eager to join Liverpool but is also motivated by the opportunity to work under Arne Slot, who sees him as a central figure in his tactical setup.
Liverpool Make Their Move
Liverpool have reportedly initiated formal discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt for Ekitike’s services. While they initially faced competition from Newcastle United, it is now believed that Liverpool are leading the race to secure his signature.
One of the key factors that makes Ekitike a realistic target for the Merseyside club is his release clause, which is set at £86.5 million—significantly lower than the valuation for Isak. This makes Ekitike a more financially viable option and an ideal fit for Liverpool’s forward planning.
Reinforcing the Reds’ Attack
Should the transfer go through, Ekitike would add even more firepower to Liverpool’s already formidable front line, which currently features big names like Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez, and recent arrival Federico Chiesa.
Additionally, Liverpool recently secured the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, further showcasing the club’s ambitions to remain one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking forces. The fullback positions have also been reinforced with the acquisitions of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, adding more depth and dynamism on the flanks.
However, Arne Slot appears intent on ensuring his squad has enough depth in the striker role, not just to compete on multiple fronts, but also to reduce the scoring burden that has largely been shouldered by Mohamed Salah in recent seasons.
Liverpool Stand Firm Amid Bayern Interest
Liverpool’s aggressive approach in the transfer market is further evident by their refusal to sell Luis Díaz, despite receiving a £58.6 million bid from Bayern Munich. The Reds made it clear that the Colombian winger is not for sale, reaffirming the club’s stance on retaining their best talents while continuing to strengthen their squad.
Final Thoughts
Hugo Ekitike’s desire to join Liverpool marks a significant moment in his career and could prove to be a major coup for the Reds. With the player himself pushing for the move, and Liverpool actively negotiating with Frankfurt, this transfer saga could reach its conclusion sooner rather than later.
For Liverpool fans, the potential arrival of Ekitike not only brings excitement but also signals a new era of attacking dominance under Arne Slot. If completed, the move will add yet another lethal weapon to Liverpool’s already stacked arsenal, making them even more of a threat domestically and in Europe.
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