Liverpool Secures Striker Hugo Ekitike in Major Deal
French Forward Arrives from Eintracht Frankfurt for Potential £79M Fee
Liverpool has officially announced the acquisition of Eintracht Frankfurt’s promising 23-year-old French striker, **Hugo Ekitike**. The significant transfer, potentially reaching £79 million with add-ons, bolsters the Reds’ attacking options.
Ekitike’s Impressive Bundesliga Campaign
Ekitike joins Liverpool following a standout season in the Bundesliga. He registered 22 goals and provided 12 assists across 48 appearances for Frankfurt, demonstrating a remarkable goal involvement every 107 minutes. This prolific output highlights his talent as a rising star in European football.
Versatile Attacking Profile
The French forward’s statistics underscore his versatility. **Ekitike** excels not only at finding the net but also at linking play by dropping deeper. He is adept at exploiting channels and dribbling past defenders, creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
A Pressing Forward in the Firmino Mold
Furthermore, **Ekitike** is a diligent and relentless presser off the ball. This attribute aligns more closely with the playing style of former Liverpool fan favourite **Roberto Firmino** than with current striker **Darwin Nuñez**. His work rate is a key aspect of his appeal.
Comparisons and Potential
Natural comparisons have been drawn to Newcastle’s **Alexander Isak**. While **Ekitike** might be less polished than the Swedish international, he compensates with superior work rate off the ball and, crucially, avoids **Isak**’s history of injury concerns. A minor area for development could be his aerial dominance, despite his 1.9m (6’3″) stature.
Data Backs Ekitike’s Elite Status
Beyond this, **Ekitike** is recognized as one of Europe’s premier young attackers. In the 2024-25 season, his metrics placed him in the 90th percentile or higher among strikers for expected goals and assists, shot-creating actions, carries, and progressive pass receptions. This data underscores his immediate impact potential.
Long-Term Interest Confirmed
Liverpool’s recruitment team has a sustained interest in **Ekitike**, having attempted to sign him prior to his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. This history indicates a strong belief in his capabilities and a clear strategy behind his acquisition.
Addressing a Key Summer Priority
Despite the substantial fee, the signing addresses a primary concern for manager **Arne Slot**. With the striker position identified as a key question mark heading into the summer transfer window, **Ekitike** is seen as the definitive solution for the defending Premier League champions.
This acquisition positions Liverpool to maintain their competitive edge. According to Transfermarkt, as of July 2024, the average transfer fee for a top-tier striker has seen a notable increase, reflecting the premium placed on proven goal-scoring talent in the modern game. The club’s investment in **Ekitike** signals their ambition for continued success.
