Liverpool Secure Hugo Ekitike In €94m Deal To Bolster Title Defence.
Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, a major coup for the Premier League champions as they gear up for the 2025/26 season. The 23-year-old French striker joins the Reds in a deal worth up to €94 million, comprising a €82 million base fee and €12 million in performance-related add-ons, as the club pushes forward with its bold transformation under manager Arne Slot.
Ekitike, who has signed a six-year contract, arrived on Merseyside for his medical on Tuesday and is set to join his new teammates for Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia, kicking off with a match against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday. The signing follows Liverpool’s unsuccessful pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with Ekitike emerging as their top choice to lead the attack. His arrival underscores the club’s determination to defend their Premier League title after last season’s triumph.
The young forward brings a strong track record to Anfield, having scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists across all competitions for Frankfurt last season, earning a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. Renowned for his pace, technical skill, and versatility, Ekitike is viewed as a modern No. 9 capable of both scoring and creating, with comparisons to Newcastle’s Isak and inspiration drawn from Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema. His 117 shots in the Bundesliga last season—more than any other player—highlight his constant attacking threat, though he has room to improve, having scored 15 goals from an expected goals (xG) value of 21.6.
Liverpool’s move for Ekitike is part of a strategic overhaul of their attacking options, prompted by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and ongoing speculation surrounding Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. Nunez, linked with Al-Hilal and AC Milan, and Diaz, rumoured to be a target for Bayern Munich and Barcelona, could both leave before the transfer window closes, potentially opening the door for further signings. Ekitike’s arrival marks Liverpool’s seventh signing of a busy summer, with Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman already secured, pushing the club’s spending close to €360 million.
The Reds’ recruitment drive reflects their ambition to defend their Premier League crown, compete in the Champions League, and challenge for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10. Ekitike could make his competitive debut in Liverpool’s season opener against Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, giving fans an early look at his potential to spearhead Slot’s high-pressing, dynamic system.
Frankfurt’s manager described Ekitike’s departure as “a significant loss,” noting his key role in their Champions League qualification last season. Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment identified Ekitike as a player with the raw attributes to excel in the Premier League, with club insiders confident he can become one of Europe’s top forwards. His ambition to break into the France senior squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup adds extra drive for the former Reims and Paris Saint-Germain talent to make an immediate impact.
As Liverpool embark on a new era, Ekitike’s signing highlights their commitment to blending youth, talent, and ambition. With a pre-season tour on the horizon and a blockbuster campaign ahead, the Anfield faithful will be eager to see their new striker shine and uphold the club’s legacy of success.
