Liverpool, are reportedly in the “running” to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike but signing him will require a significant investment from owners FSG.
Arne Slot is set for a busy summer transfer window and after not making many additions to his squad before the start of the season, the Dutchman now has the advantage of getting a season under his belt before making wholesale adjustments to the high-grade squad left behind by Jurgen Klopp.
Despite only adding Federico Chiesa to this season’s group of players, Slot has taken Liverpool to the knockouts of the Champions League and into the final of the Carabao Cup all while leading the way in the Premier League.
Despite the success of his early days at Anfield, the former Feyenoord boss will want more from his attacking line-up next season.
He is, of course, blessed with Mohamed Salah, who has 47 goals and assists this season, but there is the need for a striker that can score 20+ league goals a season for the games where Salah is isolated and contained – rare as they may be.
That brings Liverpool to one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe: Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool face expensive bill to complete Hugo Ekitike signing
According to Bild, via French outlet Foot Mercato, Ekitike’s stunning form this season ”has not escaped the notice of several teams ready to draw their guns this summer for the former PSG player.”
Premier League outfits are said to be “charmed” by the striker, who has 17 goals and six assists this season. In the Bundesliga, Ekitike is averaging a goal every 134 minutes.
Reportedly, Eintracht Frankurt are “rubbing their hands together” at the thought of selling Ekitike this summer, who they value at €80 million (£66m). PSG have a 20% sell on-clause so roughly €25m (£20m) will head to the Parisians.
Liverpool and Arsenal are both interested in the 22-year-old and it’s likely Frankfurt will stoke a bidding war if they can play on the rivalry between the two English sides as they battle it out for the Premier League title.
If Darwin Nunez leaves, Ekitike could be a very astute signing but someone like Alexander Isak would take Liverpool’s attack to another level if FSG are willing to spend over £100m to get him.
