Liverpool Finalizing $106M Deal for French Striker Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool FC are on the verge of completing a blockbuster $106 million (£79 million) deal to sign French striker Hugo Ekitike from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, sources close to the club have confirmed.

The 23-year-old forward is expected to sign a long-term contract through 2031, with a medical scheduled in England before Ekitike joins the squad for their pre-season tour in Hong Kong.

The deal includes approximately $92.7 million up front, with an additional $13.4 million in performance-based bonuses. It marks one of the Premier League side’s biggest-ever transfer outlays and underscores new head coach Arne Slot’s intent to reshape the Liverpool attack.

Ekitike’s Rise

Ekitike enjoyed a breakout season in Germany last year, scoring 22 goals and registering 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt. His 15-goal haul in the Bundesliga helped the club finish in a Europa League spot, and despite refining his finishing, he remains a high-upside prospect.

Previously linked with clubs like Newcastle and PSG, the former Stade de Reims academy product impressed Liverpool both on and off the pitch. Club officials are said to view him as the “archetypal modern striker,” combining physicality, mobility, and technical skill.

Slot’s First Big Statement

New manager Arne Slot reportedly played a key role in persuading Ekitike to choose Anfield over rival suitors. Liverpool’s sporting leadership held direct conversations with the player, expressing confidence in his development trajectory and emphasizing his fit in a fluid front line anchored by Mohamed Salah.

“We see Hugo as a player who isn’t at his peak yet but has the tools to become one of Europe’s elite forwards,” a Liverpool source said. “He brings something different — a classic No.9 profile with the modern attributes we need.”

The move also signals a strategic shift in Liverpool’s forward-thinking rebuild. It follows the acquisition of German star Florian Wirtz earlier this summer and will likely open the door for the departure of Darwin Núñez, who has struggled for consistency since arriving from Benfica.

A Bold Investment

At 6’2” and still only 23, Ekitike has already shown glimpses of elite potential. While his finishing (15 goals off 21.6 xG in the Bundesliga) leaves room for improvement, Liverpool believe training under Slot — and playing alongside Salah and Wirtz — will unlock his full capabilities.

The Reds’ summer spending now approaches the $300 million mark after moves for Wirtz, Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida, and Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.

What’s Next?

Ekitike is expected to complete his medical in the next 48 hours. Once cleared, he will travel to join Liverpool’s pre-season squad in Asia. The deal will be officially announced shortly after, barring any late hitches.

The signing marks another step forward in Arne Slot’s vision for a new-look side ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Player Profile: Hugo Ekitike
Age: 23
Nationality: French
Height: 6’2”
Position: Centre-forward
Previous Clubs: Reims, PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt
2024/25 Stats: 22 goals & 12 assists in 48 appearances

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