- The 23-year-old has committed to a six-year contract at Anfield, with Liverpool paying an upfront fee of £69 million along with an additional £10 million in potential bonuses.
- Described as tall, agile, and technically proficient, Ekitike’s style has been likened more to that of former Liverpool fan favourite Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool have finalised the acquisition of French forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal that could reach £79 million, marking one of the most significant transfers of the summer.
The 23-year-old has committed to a six-year contract at Anfield, with Liverpool paying an upfront fee of £69 million along with an additional £10 million in potential bonuses. Ekitike’s transfer brings the club’s summer expenditure to nearly £300 million, highlighting the board’s aspiration to revamp the squad for new manager Arne Slot.
The Reds managed to fend off late interest from Manchester United and Newcastle to secure Ekitike, who netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists last season in the Bundesliga, earning a spot in the Team of the Season.
Described as tall, agile, and technically proficient, Ekitike’s style has been likened more to that of former Liverpool fan favourite Roberto Firmino, rather than the more direct Darwin Nunez, whose future remains in question.
Read More
Liverpool’s bold strategy in the transfer market this season has attracted significant attention. Ekitike becomes their seventh major addition, joining Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £100 million (potentially increasing to £116.5 million), right-back Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million, left-back Milos Kerkez at £40 million, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £25 million.
The club has also signed free agents and young talents to enhance depth, as Slot aims to reshape a squad that aspires to compete comprehensively.
Ekitike’s signing reflects Liverpool’s strategy of acting swiftly in response to intensifying competition. With Alexander Isak deemed too expensive and Núñez’s situation uncertain, Liverpool opted for Ekitike as a dynamic and adaptable choice to invigorate their attacking options.
His combination of physical strength, astute pressing, and creative link-up play aligns well with Slot’s vision for a high-energy and fluid attacking front.
Ekitike will join Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong and Japan right away, as the club continues to explore defensive targets, including Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace.
Following a summer filled with decisive actions, Liverpool’s determination is unmistakable: they are constructing a deeper, younger, and more adaptable squad prepared to contend for Premier League and European titles once more.
