Liverpool Set to Beat Newcastle United in the Race to Sign Hugo Ekitike
The 23-year-old has agreed personal terms over a move to Liverpool on a six-year deal.
Hugo Ekitike: The Exciting Signing Liverpool Need to Lead the Line
Liverpool are moving boldly this summer, wasting no time in reinforcing their squad after a triumphant Premier League-winning season under Arne Slot. With the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez already arriving, the Reds are now poised to make what could be one of the most important signings of this window — Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
This transfer has gathered pace quickly, and it is no surprise why. With Darwin Nunez seemingly on his way out, and Alexander Isak set to stay at Newcastle United, Ekitike has emerged as the clear target. And honestly, this is shaping up to be an inspired piece of business.
Ekitike’s Style Maintains Fluidity but Brings in Ruthless Edge
What makes Hugo Ekitike such a fascinating signing is his blend of attributes. At Frankfurt, Ekitike has shown glimpses of being a complete forward. Someone who combines silky movement, sharp interplay and a finishing touch in the penalty area, highlighted by his 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season.
For Liverpool, this is crucial. Last season, Luis Diaz played centrally at times, dazzling with his fluid dribbling and unpredictable runs. But what Liverpool lacked consistently through the middle was a player who could marry that elegance with the cold, decisive edge of a proper number nine. Ekitike fits that mould.
At just 23, he is still raw in some areas, but the upside is immense. His movement off the ball, his ability to drift wide and link play, and his calmness in front of goal all suggest he can thrive under Slot’s dynamic system. He won’t be the finished article just yet, but Liverpool will be hoping to transform him into one of Europe’s elite forwards.
Priority Striker Signing After Nunez Exit
Liverpool’s striker situation has been a talking point for months. Darwin Nunez, though occasionally explosive, has failed to fully settle. Napoli circled for a while, but Saudi clubs are now expected to land the Uruguayan. Liverpool are open to it, and so is Nunez himself.
Replacing Nunez has been a top priority, second only to bolstering the left-back slot. While Isak was the dream, Newcastle’s firm stance meant Liverpool had to pivot. That pivot wasn’t a panic move — it was a calculated switch to the next best option on the market. Ekitike, despite not yet being at Isak’s level, has the profile and potential to reach that standard, and perhaps surpass it in the right environment.
Crucially, Liverpool are acting swiftly. Talks with Frankfurt are progressing, with personal terms understood to be agreed on a six-year deal and an official offer imminent. While Frankfurt have been holding out for around £85 million, it’s expected the deal will be struck for closer to £75 million. That in itself would represent sharp negotiation, particularly given Newcastle’s earlier £70 million offer was turned down.
Slot’s Vision and Ekitike’s Fit
Arne Slot isn’t stockpiling talent; he is assembling a squad with a clear tactical and ruthless vision. Liverpool last season were electric, but there was a sense they were one elite striker away from being truly fearsome. Slot’s system thrives on flexibility and interplay, demanding forwards who can rotate, press and unlock defences in multiple ways.
Ekitike’s arrival would complement the existing attacking options beautifully. With Wirtz’s creativity, Frimpong’s explosive runs from deep and the potential addition of Marc Guehi at centre-back, Liverpool are building a side capable of challenging on all fronts.
Should Luis Diaz leave, with Bayern Munich and Saudi clubs sniffing around, Liverpool are reportedly lining up Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as a replacement. But even if Diaz stays, the addition of Ekitike gives Liverpool the kind of depth that turns title winners into European heavyweights.
A Deal That Signals Ambition
This is a signing that signals Liverpool’s ambition to not just stay at the top, but dominate.
Some might see Ekitike as second choice to Isak, who is one of the best strikers in the world, but that is a shallow reading. Liverpool’s recruitment team has long admired the Frenchman, and his trajectory suggests he is ready for a move to a Champions League giant. Importantly, Ekitike always wanted Liverpool. Despite interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle, his heart was set on Anfield.
In the modern game, that kind of intent matters. Players who are hungry to pull on the red shirt, to work under a progressive manager like Slot and to play at the highest level, often end up overdelivering.
With the deal expected to progress quickly, Liverpool fans should be excited. Ekitike might not carry the same star wattage as some other names linked this summer, but in terms of profile, potential and hunger, he is exactly the kind of signing who could light up the Premier League.
The months ahead will show whether Liverpool can follow up this signing with defensive reinforcements and possibly another attacker if Diaz moves on. But make no mistake, the imminent arrival of Hugo Ekitike is a massive statement.