Liverpool 'near blockbuster deal for Hugo Ekitike' as Reds prepare to shatter Eintracht Frankfurt's transfer record for star striker

By: dailymail Posted On: July 20, 2025 View: 33

Published: 04:10 EDT, 20 July 2025 | Updated: 06:38 EDT, 20 July 2025

Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike.

The 23-year-old is expected to become the German club's record sale if all add-ons are met, with the Reds reportedly close to paying up to £82million for the forward.

The Frenchman, who did not feature in Frankfurt's pre-season clash against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, has agreed to join the Premier League champions on a six-year deal, according to reports.

Frankfurt's current record sale is that of Randal Kolo Muani, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for £64.2million plus £12.2million.

According to Sky Germany and Fabrizio Romano, Ekitike's move to Anfield is a 'done deal' and he is expected to complete his Liverpool medical next week. Arne Slot's side travel to Hong Kong to begin their pre-season tour of Asia in the next few days.

Ekitike will become the side's fifth major addition this summer following the signings of Floran Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Liverpool have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike

Arne Slot's team are closing in on a deal for Ekitike, who could become Eintracht Frankfurt's record sale

Liverpool had also been linked with Alexander Isak, but are now appear focussed on Ekitike

His acquisition will take their summer spend beyond £250m, with reports indicating that the side are not yet finished with their spree.

Last week, Newcastle had an offer of £70m rejected for Ekitike, which fell £16million short of his release clause.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak but that move remains in question, especially after the major outplay for the France Under 21 international.

Last season Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt in all competitions, with 15 of those strikes coming in the Bundesliga.

He was also named in the Bundesliga team of the season following a hugely impressive campaign.

Ekitike was previously at Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan from Reims before joining permanently.

However, he only made 33 appearances for PSG in total and scored four goals.

Liverpool have already been heavily active in the transfer market this summer.

Last season Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games for Frankfurt in all competitions

The Premier League champions brought in Wirtz and Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, while Kerkez joined from Bournemouth.

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid, while Jarell Quansah signed for Bayer Leverkusen.

The Reds are also expected to sell a number of stars before the window closes, with the likes of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliot all heavily linked with moves away.