Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle to sign French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, dealing a major blow to Newcastle United, who were initially seen as front-runners for the player.
The Reds are set to pay £69 million up front with an additional £10 million in performance-based add-ons, according to Softfootball. The deal was reportedly sealed after intensive talks over the weekend between Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and Frankfurt’s Markus Krösche. Personal terms with Ekitike have already been agreed, with the 22-year-old expected to sign a six-year contract.
Interestingly, Newcastle had tabled a guaranteed offer of £70 million more than Liverpool’s base fee but their proposal lacked the performance incentives that eventually swung the deal in the Reds’ favour. This twist is likely to frustrate Magpies manager Eddie Howe, especially given how close the Tyneside club was to completing the signing.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano previously reported via his official X account that Newcastle were favourites to land Ekitike and that Liverpool were only likely to enter the race if they failed in their pursuit of Alexander Isak.
In his words:
“Hugo Ekitike case remains open as Newcastle sent official bid close to €80m on Monday; Eintracht want more. Liverpool can enter the race… only if Newcastle close the doors to Alexander Isak exit.”
With Isak firmly off the market after Newcastle slapped a £150 million price tag on the Swedish striker in response to a £120 million approach from Liverpool, the Merseyside club swiftly turned their attention to Ekitike.
Ekitike is now expected in the UK on Tuesday, July 22, for a medical ahead of linking up with Liverpool’s squad on their pre-season tour of Asia. He enjoyed a stellar season at Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals across all competitions after a difficult stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool are reportedly open to selling Darwin Nunez, who is valued around £59 million and view Ekitike as a more suitable long-term option in their attacking rebuild.
