Liverpool Strikes Record-Breaking Deal to Land Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool have successfully finalized a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt to acquire their standout striker Hugo Ekitiké.

The Merseyside club swiftly shifted focus to the towering French forward following the rejection of their massive bid for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak. Though Ekitiké's transfer fee won't reach the astronomical £130 million ($174.4 million) figure mentioned for Isak, Liverpool have invested heavily in their ongoing mission to strengthen their attacking options.

Following the swift dismissal of their opening proposal, the current Premier League titleholders reportedly reached the "framework of a deal", initially disclosed by The Athletic.

While the report avoided specifying exact transfer amounts, it suggested that if all performance-related clauses are activated, Ekitiké would surpass Frankfurt's previous record departure, eclipsing the €95 million (£82.3 million, $110.5 million) that Paris Saint-Germain paid for Randal Kolo Muani in 2023.

Sky Sports News indicated that Liverpool submitted an opening offer of €80 million (£69.3 million, $93 million), while Fabrizio Romano suggested the package exceeds €90 million (£78 million, $104.6 million) and may reach €95 million. Various sources confirm that Ekitiké will pen a six-year contract.

Newcastle had previously shown strong interest in pursuing the coveted forward as a partner for Isak rather than his replacement. Following Liverpool's concrete progress, the Magpies have reportedly shifted their focus toward Brentford's Yoane Wissa. However, that potential move faces complications due to the expected exit of Bees star Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United.

While Ekitiké might ultimately become Frankfurt's biggest sale, he won't be Liverpool's costliest summer acquisition. That distinction goes to Florian Wirtz, whose transfer could reach a British-record £116 million ($155.6 million).

Prior to securing Ekitiké, Arne Slot's squad had already exceeded the club's previous single-summer spending record, having invested over £180 million to date.