After successfully completing his medical, Ekitike will fly to Hong Kong to join the team in preparation for their friendly match against Milan on 26/7. The 23-year-old striker will sign a six-year contract with Liverpool. Personal terms were not an issue, as he has always wanted to join the club.
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Hugo Ekitike playing for Frankfurt in Germany during the 2024-2025 season. Photo: Reuters |
Hugo Ekitike playing for Frankfurt in Germany during the 2024-2025 season. Photo: Reuters
Liverpool previously submitted a USD 160 million offer for striker Alexander Isak, but it was rejected by Newcastle. Newcastle also inquired about Ekitike with an offer of USD 87 million, which Frankfurt declined. Liverpool stepped in and secured the French striker for USD 93 million in less than a week.
Ekitike will be Liverpool's fifth signing of the summer of 2025, following goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (USD 34 million), attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz (USD 145 million), left-back Milos Kerkez (USD 54 million), and right-back Jeremie Frimpong (USD 46 million). Including Ekitike, the reigning Premier League champions have spent USD 338 million this summer.
Ekitike is expected to fill the void left by the late Diogo Jota. Liverpool is also prepared to let midfielder Harvey Elliott and forwards Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, and Luis Diaz depart. Therefore, it's possible that Liverpool's transfer activity isn't over yet.
Born on 20/6/2002, Ekitike's surname is a palindrome. The 1.9 m tall striker has a slender build and strong technical skills. He developed in Reims' academy in France and played for PSG during the 2022-2023 season, scoring four goals in 32 appearances. He had a breakout season with Frankfurt last year, scoring 22 goals in 48 matches.
According to German football expert Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Ekitike is still developing but has become a well-rounded striker, capable of finishing with both feet and his head. He is particularly dangerous on the counter-attack, able to beat defenders one-on-one or create opportunities for teammates.
Hoang An (via Athletic)
