Softfootball earlier reported that Liverpool have agreed a €90m deal to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. Talks accelerated after Liverpool made their initial approach, with personal terms swiftly agreed.
According to Skysports journalist , Florian Plettenberg, the 23-year-old is now expected to undergo a medical in the coming days, ahead of signing a long-term deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2031. In his Official X handle he revealed that;
A full agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt in principle has now been reached after new talks today. Transfer fee: €95 million with add-ons included. Contract until 2031. Medical to take place soon. The next big sale by Markus Krösche.
Ekitike is set to become Arne Slot’s latest statement signing in what’s already been a transformative summer for the Reds. The club has reportedly spent more than €197 million on reinforcements, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong.
After notching 22 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, Ekitike is viewed as a critical addition to Liverpool’s evolving frontline, especially with Darwin Nunez potentially heading for the exit and Luis Diaz linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
As the transfer nears completion, attention has now turned to which squad number Ekitike might wear in his debut campaign on Merseyside. He wore the No. 11 jersey at Frankfurt, but that shirt is currently held by Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.
Softfootball understands that if Nunez departs, the No. 9 shirt could become available, a fitting choice for a striker of Ekitike’s calibre; however, Nunez doesn’t have plans to make that easy, as earlier reported that the Uruguayan striker notched a stunning hat trick in the recent 5-nil thrashing of Stoke City.
Other notable options include No. 12 (last worn by Joe Gomez), No. 15 (vacant since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain), and No. 23 (the famous Jamie Carragher shirt number).
Other numbers currently unclaimed include 6, 16, 22, and 30, the latter being the jersey Frimpong wore at Leverkusen.
For now, all eyes are on the official unveiling and the number that will mark a new era for Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool.
