Liverpool sign Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt for £69m

Liverpool have completed the signing of French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million. The Premier League club will pay an initial £69 million, with an additional £10 million in potential add-ons, subject to international clearance.

Ekitike, 23, has passed a medical and agreed personal terms, and is set to join Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia later this week.

Ekitike arrives after a standout campaign in the Bundesliga, where he scored 15 goals and registered eight assists in 31 starts for Frankfurt, helping them finish third. 

Only five players bettered his goal tally last season, and his 117 shots on goal were the most in the division. His performances attracted interest from Newcastle United, whose £70 million bid was recently rejected, while Liverpool also previously showed interest in Alexander Isak.

Liverpool’s summer spending now exceeds £250 million, with Ekitike joining an impressive list of arrivals. The club secured Florian Wirtz for a potential British record of £116 million and brought in defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong for a combined £70 million. 

Ekitike’s signing reinforces Arne Slot’s attacking options as the Reds begin a new era under their Dutch manager.

Ekitike’s career path has seen a remarkable turnaround since struggling for game time at Paris Saint-Germain. After joining Frankfurt initially on loan in early 2024, he quickly found form and was signed permanently later that year.

He played both as a lone striker and in a forward partnership under manager Dino Toppmöller. Following the January departure of Omar Marmoush to Manchester City, Ekitike assumed full responsibility as the team’s lead forward.

Tactically versatile, Ekitike has drawn praise for his intelligent movement, pressing ability, and all-round attacking contribution. Bundesliga expert Constantin Eckner described him as “not the most dynamic player,” but one who regularly gets past defenders through smart play.