2 months ago
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Alexander Isak alternative
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Liverpool have submitted an official bid for Hugo Ekitiké with Newcastle United dropping out the race for the Eintracht Frankfurt attacker. Transfermarkt understands that an offer by Newcastle of €80m was turned down by the Bundesliga club on July 15. Sources with direct knowledge of the talks described the offer as insufficient. But now Liverpool have made their move after Newcastle United rebuffed any interest in the Anfield club's priority target Alexander Isak. With Isak set to remain at St James Park, Newcastle have dropped out the race for Ekitiké with Liverpool submitting their bid. It's understood that Frankfurt have rejected the opening bid but talks continue with the French international keen on a move to Anfield.
What would be a significant offer? Frankfurt, who have sold Randal Kolo Muani for €95 million to Paris Saint-Germain and Omar Marmoush for €75m to Man City over the last 24 months, will ask for a significant fee to allow Ekitiké to leave this summer. Frankfurt's asking price is understood to be around €100m. The Eagles are experienced negotiators and in the past have always gotten their way on the transfer market. Sources have pointed out that the 23-year-old striker is currently under contract until 2029, and there is no exit clause in his deal.
The Bundesliga club signed Ekitiké on loan from PSG in February 2024 for €3.5m and then made the deal permanent for an additional €16.5m the following summer. Transfermarkt understands that PSG will receive 20% of the profit Frankfurt will make from the deal. Since his arrival, Ekitiké has increased his market from €15m to €75m. But Frankfurt want significantly above his market value to consider a transfer.
€75m+ - Why are Liverpool desperate to sign Hugo Ekitiké?
Interest in Ekitiké has been high. Ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea showed interest in Ekitiké. At one point, Arsenal, before they pivoted to first Benjamin Sesko and then eventually Viktor Gyökeres, were interested. As for Ekitiké, Liverpool would get a player who last season finally fulfilled the high expectations placed in him when PSG signed him for €28.5m from Stade Reims in 2023
In 2024/25, Ekitiké scored 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga games. In a season in which Frankfurt lost top scorer Marmoush to Man City, Ekitiké was crucial to help Frankfurt finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League. As previously highlighted on Transfermarkt, Ekitiké is a complete forward who can play as a no.9 but also on the wing. Enormously talented and fast, there is also a sense that he can reach another level. Whether that will be in Frankfurt or perhaps in Newcastle remains to be seen.
