Liverpool have secured the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt’s prolific striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth up to £79 million. The 23-year-old Frenchman, likened to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, is set to become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attacking revolution under manager Arne Slot.
This transfer marks Liverpool’s seventh signing of an ambitious summer window and pushes their spending close to £300 million, solidifying their status as the Premier League’s biggest spenders this season.
We have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance 😎
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2025
The Deal: A Statement of Intent
Liverpool’s agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt includes an initial £69 million fee, with an additional £10 million in performance-related add-ons, bringing the total potential cost to £79 million. This figure, while substantial, falls short of Ekitike’s €100 million release clause, showcasing Liverpool’s negotiating prowess. The young striker has agreed to a six-year contract and is expected to join the squad for their pre-season tour in Hong Kong and Japan after completing a medical in the UK.
Ekitike’s arrival follows Liverpool’s unsuccessful pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with the Magpies firmly rejecting advances for their star forward. Instead, Liverpool pivoted to Ekitike, a player whose stylistic similarities to Isak—pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing—make him an ideal fit for Slot’s system. The transfer also outmaneuvered Newcastle, who had a £70 million bid for Ekitike rejected earlier in the window.
Ekitike’s Journey: From Reims to Anfield
Born on June 20, 2002, in Reims, France, Hugo Ekitike’s footballing journey has been one of rapid ascent. Emerging through Stade Reims’ academy, he burst onto the scene in the 2021-22 season, scoring 11 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances. This form earned him a €35 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, initially on loan before becoming permanent. At PSG, Ekitike played alongside global stars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, contributing three goals and four assists en route to a Ligue 1 title in 2022-23. However, limited opportunities prompted a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt in February 2024, which was made permanent last summer for €17.5 million.
In the Bundesliga, Ekitike truly flourished. In the 2024-25 season, he scored an impressive 22 goals and provided 12 assists across 48 appearances, helping Frankfurt secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. His performances earned him a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, with his 115 shots—the most in the league—and 44 chances created underscoring his dual threat as both a goalscorer and creator.
What Ekitike Brings to Liverpool
Ekitike’s skill set aligns perfectly with Arne Slot’s vision for Liverpool’s attack. Standing at 6’3”, the Frenchman combines physicality with technical finesse, excelling as a progressive ball carrier and a clinical finisher. His versatility allows him to operate as a traditional No. 9, a second striker, or even drift wide, offering tactical flexibility. His ability to link play with clever passes will complement Liverpool’s attacking talents, including Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo.
Statistically, Ekitike is a standout. His non-penalty expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) combined for a 26.0 figure last season, bettered by only a few players across Europe’s top leagues. His 44 carries ending in a shot led the Bundesliga, and his 17 carries leading to chances ranked among the league’s best. These metrics highlight his ability to drive attacks and create goalscoring opportunities, a trait that will thrive in Liverpool’s high-pressing, dynamic system.
Ekitike’s work rate and tactical understanding further enhance his appeal. At Frankfurt, he seamlessly adapted to different roles, playing as a lone striker or in a partnership with Omar Marmoush before the latter’s move to Manchester City. His ability to interchange positions and exploit spaces makes him a natural fit for Slot’s fluid attacking structure, which demands relentless energy and positional versatility.
Liverpool’s Ambitious Summer and the Post-Salah Vision
Ekitike’s signing is part of a broader overhaul at Liverpool, who have already welcomed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman this summer. The Reds’ spending, now at £295.5 million, dwarfs that of rivals like Chelsea and signals their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe as reigning Premier League champions.
The move also reflects Liverpool’s planning for a future beyond Mohamed Salah, whose contract situation remains uncertain. Ekitike, alongside Wirtz, represents a new generation of attacking talent designed to carry the club forward. With Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz potentially departing—Núñez is on the market, and Díaz has attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona—Ekitike’s arrival addresses an urgent need for a reliable No. 9 following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota earlier this month.
Challenges and Expectations
While Ekitike’s potential is undeniable, his transition to the Premier League will not be without challenges. Some have previously criticized his character, perceiving him as arrogant due to his ambition to be compared with the likes of Mbappé. However, his breakout season at Frankfurt suggests he has matured, and his desire to join Liverpool—evident in his preference for Anfield over Newcastle—indicates a player motivated to succeed at the highest level.
Liverpool’s data-driven approach, which guided this signing, highlights Ekitike’s upward trajectory. At 23, he is yet to enter his prime, offering significant room for growth under Slot’s tutelage. His statistical profile and versatility suggest he can adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
Looking Ahead
As Ekitike prepares to don the No. 54 shirt temporarily during Liverpool’s pre-season tour, fans are eager to see how he integrates into a star-studded squad. His first interview and initial appearances in Hong Kong will offer a glimpse of what’s to come. With Liverpool still eyeing a new centre-back and potentially another forward, the Reds’ summer business is far from over, but Ekitike’s arrival marks a pivotal moment in their quest to remain at the pinnacle of English and European football.
For a club mourning the loss of Jota and navigating a transitional phase, Ekitike’s signing is a bold statement of ambition. If he can replicate his Bundesliga form, Liverpool may have found not just a new No. 9, but a future star capable of defining an era at Anfield.
