In a dramatic twist in the summer transfer window, renowned football correspondent from The Athletic David Ornstein has dropped a significant update regarding Eintracht Frankfurt’s star striker Hugo Ekitike.
David Ornstein has reported that Liverpool have made contact with the Bundesliga club to explore a potential move for the 23-year-old French forward, intensifying a transfer battle with Newcastle United, who have also been actively pursuing the player. This development comes as Liverpool face resistance in their efforts to sign Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, prompting them to shift focus to Ekitike as a viable alternative.
🚨 Liverpool contact Eintracht Frankfurt over possible move for Hugo Ekitike. #LFC working on 23yo #SGE forward, having also approached Newcastle for Alexander Isak. #NUFC want to keep 25yo + Ekitike interest ongoing. W/ @SebSB @ChrisDHWaugh @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/UBUqsV1dCj
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 16, 2025
Ekitike: A Rising Star in Demand
Hugo Ekitike has emerged as one of the most coveted strikers in Europe following an impressive breakout season with Eintracht Frankfurt. The former Reims and Paris Saint-Germain forward scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 Bundesliga matches during the 2024/25 campaign, showcasing his ability as both a goal-scorer and a creator. His overall tally of 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season has drawn attention from multiple Premier League giants, including Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Ekitike’s versatility, physicality, and technical ability have made him a prime target. Standing at 6ft 3in, he combines a commanding presence with agility and decent link-up play, though some note he has underperformed his expected goals (xG) by five, suggesting room for improvement in his clinical finishing. Stylistically, he has been compared to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with both players excelling as shot-heavy forwards capable of creating chances.
Liverpool’s Strategic Move
Ornstein’s update highlights Liverpool’s proactive approach in the transfer market as they seek to bolster their attacking options. The Premier League champions have prioritized signing a top No. 9, especially with speculation surrounding Darwin Nunez’s potential departure. While Alexander Isak remains their ideal target, Newcastle’s firm stance—valuing the Swedish striker at upwards of £150m—has forced Liverpool to explore alternatives.
Ekitike, valued by Frankfurt at around £86m, represents a more attainable option, though still a significant investment. Ornstein notes that Liverpool’s interest comes after Newcastle’s recent £70m bid for Ekitike was rejected, with Frankfurt holding out for a higher fee. Liverpool’s move could be seen as an attempt to capitalize on this setback and potentially hijack Newcastle’s long-term pursuit of the Frenchman.
Newcastle’s Persistent Pursuit
Newcastle United have been tracking Ekitike for years, having narrowly missed out on signing him in 2022 when he opted for PSG. Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike is not as a replacement for Isak but rather to complement him, with manager Eddie Howe envisioning the two strikers playing together, potentially with Ekitike operating off the left or in a two-man attack.
However, Liverpool’s entry into the race complicates matters. Newcastle’s talks with Ekitike’s representatives have advanced, with club officials traveling to Germany and Austria to finalize terms. Yet, Frankfurt’s high valuation and Liverpool’s interest could make negotiations trickier, especially as other unnamed clubs are reportedly prepared to outbid Newcastle’s £70m offer.
The Transfer Tug-of-War
Ornstein’s update underscores the complex dynamics at play. Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike could serve multiple purposes: securing a talented young striker to lead their attack or pressuring Newcastle into reconsidering their stance on Isak. Some speculate that Liverpool’s move for Ekitike is a tactical ploy to force Newcastle’s hand, though others believe Ekitike’s potential makes him a worthy target in his own right.
The situation remains fluid, with Ornstein emphasizing that Newcastle’s talks with Frankfurt are ongoing but not yet close to completion. Liverpool’s financial muscle and allure as reigning Premier League champions could give them an edge, particularly if Ekitike prioritizes a starting role at Anfield over a potential rotation with Isak at Newcastle. However, Newcastle’s long-term interest and Champions League qualification add weight to their pursuit.
What’s Next for Ekitike?
Ekitike’s future hinges on Frankfurt’s valuation and the player’s own ambitions. English clubs believe Ekitike could be signed for less than the reported £85m, potentially around £80m with add-ons, indicating room for negotiation. His meteoric rise—from a fourth-choice forward at Reims to a Bundesliga standout—has drawn comparisons to Kylian Mbappé, with former coaches noting his ambition to compete with the best.
For Liverpool, signing Ekitike could provide a long-term solution up front, especially if Nunez departs. For Newcastle, pairing him with Isak could create a formidable attacking duo, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, other clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea remain in the background, though their interest appears less advanced.
Conclusion
David Ornstein’s latest update has ignited excitement and speculation among football fans, with Liverpool’s move for Hugo Ekitike adding intrigue to an already heated transfer window. As Newcastle and Liverpool vie for the French striker’s signature, the outcome will depend on Frankfurt’s demands, Ekitike’s preferences, and the strategic maneuvering of both clubs. With Ornstein’s track record for reliable transfer news, this story is far from over, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the next development in this high-stakes transfer saga.
