Liverpool have confirmed the high-profile signing of French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million, including performance-related add-ons. The 23-year-old joins the Premier League champions on a long-term contract, becoming the latest marquee addition in what has been a record-breaking transfer window at Anfield.
Ekitike has already completed his medical and agreed personal terms. He is set to join Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong, marking the start of his new chapter under manager Arne Slot.
The Reds pivoted to Ekitike after being priced out of a move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who was valued at £150 million. Despite interest from Newcastle and Manchester United, Liverpool moved swiftly to secure one of Europe’s most promising attacking talents.
Ekitike arrives after a standout season in Germany, where he netted 22 goals in 48 appearances for Frankfurt and earned a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, helping his side to a third-place finish.
The move addresses a critical need in Liverpool’s frontline following the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in Spain. The club is also reportedly open to offers for Darwin Núñez, while Luis Díaz has drawn interest from Bayern Munich, although a recent bid was rejected.
Ekitike is Liverpool’s fifth major signing of the summer. The club has already spent £116 million on Germany international Florian Wirtz, and bolstered their defense with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, alongside the arrival of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
Having started his career at Reims and moving through Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt, Ekitike now finds himself on one of the sport’s biggest stages. As noted by Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche, “Hugo has improved tremendously… and has been a real asset. He’s earned this next step.”
With Liverpool’s summer spending now exceeding £250 million, the club has made a strong statement of intent ahead of the new season—building a new era around youth, ambition, and elite-level talent.
