As the 2025 summer transfer window heats up, a seismic shift is brewing in the Premier League with reports of Hugo Ekitike, the talented French striker currently with Eintracht Frankfurt, nearing a move to Liverpool. The exclusive scoop from transfer insider Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) on X this morning has set the football world abuzz, detailing a six-year contract agreement between Ekitike and the Merseyside giants. With negotiations ongoing between Liverpool and Frankfurt, this transfer could redefine the Reds’ attacking line for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
🚨 💣 EXCLUSIVE Hugo Ekitike and Liverpool reached an agreement over 6 year contract.
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) July 17, 2025
🔹The player only wants Liverpool. In the last 24h he has rejected Manchester United. Newcastle have already left talks.
🔹Negociation ongoing between Frankfurt and Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/K0GwYHGerc
A Striker with a Rich History
Hugo Ekitike, born on June 20, 2002, in Reims, France, has already carved out an impressive career trajectory. The 23-year-old forward, who boasts a Cameroonian father and a French mother, began his professional journey with Reims, signing his first contract in July 2020. His potential was evident early on, leading to a high-profile stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2022. However, his time at PSG was brief, and in February 2024, he joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan with a buy option. That option was activated on April 26, 2024, with Frankfurt securing Ekitike for €16.5 million on a contract running until the end of the 2028-29 season. His adaptability and goal-scoring prowess—highlighted by his first Frankfurt goal in a 3-1 victory over FC Augsburg—have made him a hot commodity.
Notably, Ekitike’s transfer saga isn’t new. In January 2022, he famously rejected a move to Newcastle United, a decision backed by Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot, who emphasized the club’s desire to build further history with the young star. Now, three years later, Ekitike appears to have set his sights on Anfield, reportedly turning down Manchester United in the last 24 hours to pursue his Liverpool dream.
Liverpool’s Strategic Acquisition
Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike aligns with their ambitious plans for the 2025-26 season, which marks their 134th year in existence and their 64th consecutive campaign in the top flight. As Premier League champions, the Reds are gearing up for a robust UEFA Champions League campaign, with the league phase draw scheduled for August 28, 2025. Ekitike’s addition could bolster their attacking options, especially as they navigate a reported €150.38 million transfer deficit this season, according to recent financial breakdowns.
The agreement over a six-year contract—unusually long in modern football—signals Liverpool’s long-term investment in the striker. This move comes as the club prepares for a pre-season tour in Asia, with confirmed friendlies against AC Milan in Hong Kong and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, alongside domestic fixtures against Preston North End and Athletic Bilbao. Ekitike’s arrival could be the centerpiece of their summer strategy, offering a fresh dynamic to a squad already brimming with talent.
Manchester United’s Missed Opportunity
The rejection of Manchester United by Ekitike has sparked chatter among fans, with some attributing it to the Red Devils’ ongoing squad overhaul under new manager Ruben Amorim. Reports suggest uncertainty surrounds key players like Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, with potential departures looming. Amorim’s focus on a squad reset, including links to Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, may have deterred Ekitike, who seems to prioritize stability and ambition—qualities Liverpool currently exude as reigning champions.
Social media reactions on X have been mixed, with some United fans lamenting the “decline” of their club’s pull, while Liverpool supporters celebrate the prospect of a new star. One user quipped, “If he really rejected United for us… how long till the ‘flop’ tweets start flying?”—a nod to the high expectations that will accompany Ekitike’s potential Anfield debut.
What’s Next?
With negotiations between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt still underway, the transfer’s completion hinges on financial agreements and Ekitike’s medical. Given Frankfurt’s investment of €16.5 million and his contract until 2029, the German side may demand a significant fee, potentially exceeding their initial outlay. For Liverpool, this could be a calculated risk to secure a player who has already proven his worth across Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, and European competitions.
As the transfer window progresses toward the August deadline, all eyes will be on Anfield. If successful, Ekitike’s move could herald a new era for Liverpool, blending youthful exuberance with their championship pedigree. For now, football fans worldwide await the next update, with the promise of a thrilling 2025-26 season on the horizon.
