Liverpool Football Club are on the brink of securing a high-profile signing, having reached an agreement in principle with Eintracht Frankfurt for French forward Hugo Ekitike. The deal, worth an initial £69 million (approximately R1.6 billion), could rise to £78 million pending the finalisation of performance-based incentives and structured add-ons, according to sources close to the negotiations.
Although some contractual aspects remain under discussion, both clubs are reportedly confident of concluding the transfer in the coming days. Ekitike’s transfer marks a significant step for Liverpool, who shifted their focus to the Frankfurt striker last week following Newcastle United’s firm stance on retaining Alexander Isak.
“A bitter loss,”
is how Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmöller described the Frenchman’s likely departure, following his omission from the squad during the pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt. His absence was widely interpreted as a precursor to an imminent exit.
Ekitike, 23, is believed to favour a move to Anfield and is keen on a switch to the English Premier League. His preference for Liverpool became apparent after Newcastle’s previous bid for the forward was rejected. The young striker had a breakout campaign during the 2024–25 season, netting 22 goals in 48 appearances and proving instrumental in helping Frankfurt secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are battling their own internal dilemma regarding the future of their star striker, Alexander Isak. Although manager Eddie Howe has gone on record to express confidence that the Swedish international will remain at St James’ Park this season, the player’s absence from the club’s recent 4-0 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season fixture has raised fresh questions.
“Irreplaceable,”
was Howe’s word of choice when discussing Isak’s value to the Magpies. Speaking candidly about the swirling rumours, the Newcastle boss noted that Isak’s exclusion was not due to injury but rather an intentional decision to shield him from mounting transfer speculation.
“The noise” affecting him,
Howe said, had warranted a protective measure, adding that the player remains central to Newcastle’s objectives for the season. Despite the club publicly declaring that Isak is not for sale and attaching a staggering £150 million valuation to his name, Liverpool and Arsenal have both reportedly shown prior interest.
Ekitike’s availability and lower price tag appear to have shifted Liverpool’s attention, especially given the difficulties of prying Isak away from Newcastle. The Merseyside club are said to have moved swiftly after learning that the Swedish forward would not be made available under any circumstances.
While Howe insists that Isak will participate in Newcastle’s upcoming pre-season tour in Singapore, the manager has also admitted that maintaining the striker’s mental clarity amid intense transfer talk will be pivotal.
“He is vital to the team’s ambitions,”
Howe reiterated, commending the striker’s attitude during training sessions.
As Liverpool seek to refresh their attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season, all indications suggest that Ekitike’s arrival could be the club’s marquee signing of the summer. For now, the final details are being ironed out — and should the negotiations proceed as expected, Hugo Ekitike could be donning the red shirt at Anfield sooner rather than later.
