Liverpool have made a bid to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and are now favourites to land the 23-year-old forward, according to The Times.
Ekitike, who scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists last season, has turned down an approach from Manchester United and is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield. Newcastle United also had a £70-million offer rejected earlier this week, but Liverpool are pressing ahead with negotiations as they look to add a striker ahead of the new campaign.
The France Under-21 international has a release clause of around €100 million (£86.8m). He joined Eintracht permanently last summer after an initial loan from Paris Saint-Germain, where he struggled for opportunities. At Frankfurt, Ekitike has impressed, helping them qualify for the Champions League and showing he can operate in a two-striker system.
Liverpool are expected to reshape their forward line this summer. Darwin Núñez has drawn interest from AC Milan and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, while Luis Díaz remains a target for Barcelona and Bayern Munich. With Diogo Jota’s tragic death earlier this month, the club are actively seeking new attacking options.
Though Alexander Isak remains Liverpool’s top target, Newcastle have made it clear they do not want to sell the Sweden international. Ekitike, who has previously attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, is now seen as a more attainable target.
Agent Ali Barat — involved in recent high-profile moves including Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea — is working on the deal, which could accelerate talks in the coming days. While personal terms with Ekitike are not yet agreed, Liverpool remain in pole position.
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