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Hugo Ekitike is a Red! Liverpool confirm blockbuster £79m arrival of Eintracht Frankfurt striker to take summer spending spree close to £300m mark
Liverpool have confirmed the blockbuster signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a sensational deal worth £79 million ($107 million), continuing their high-profile summer of squad reinforcements.
The 22-year-old French striker arrives at Anfield after an impressive 2024/25 campaign in Germany, where he netted 22 goals in 48 appearances, including 15 in the Bundesliga. Ekitike becomes the latest addition to Arne Slot’s title-winning side, who are determined to defend their Premier League crown and challenge for European glory.
The agreement includes a £69 million base fee and an additional £10 million in performance-related add-ons. While the Reds have not officially confirmed the contract duration, sources reveal that Ekitike has signed a six-year deal after completing a medical on Tuesday.
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Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, remained in the UK to oversee the final stages of the transfer, while the rest of the squad departed for Hong Kong to continue pre-season preparations. Ekitike is now expected to join the team in Asia ahead of their friendly clash with AC Milan this weekend, though his availability for the game remains uncertain.
The capture of Ekitike is the fourth major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of:
- Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record £116 million
- Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million
- Milos Kerkez for £40 million
- Giorgi Mamardashvili, signed earlier for £29 million
All four players featured in Liverpool’s behind-closed-doors 5–0 win over Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre last weekend, where Slot utilized two different starting XIs in each half to assess his options.
This flurry of big-money signings takes Liverpool’s total summer spend to over £290 million, as the club signals its intent to build on last season’s domestic success.
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Newcastle United had a £70 million bid rejected earlier this month, falling short of Ekitike’s release clause. The player reportedly prioritized a move to Anfield, citing the club’s ambition and Slot’s vision as decisive factors.
The Reds were also linked to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but the deal now appears unlikely following the heavy investment in Ekitike.
Known for his pace, movement, and finishing ability, Ekitike is seen as a long-term successor to Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah, with versatility to play across the front line. His inclusion adds more firepower to a Liverpool side already boasting attacking talents like Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota.