The Liverpool transfer rumor mill has been buzzing with the name of Hugo Ekitike, who has potentially hinted at his future plans beyond this season.
The Eintracht Frankfurt forward has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, following the path of his ex-teammate Omar Marmoush, who made a switch from the Bundesliga side to Manchester City in the January transfer window. Several English clubs are on the lookout for attacking additions this summer, including Liverpool, as the future of Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez remains uncertain.
With top target Alexander Isak seemingly out of reach from Newcastle United this summer, other names have surfaced in recent months, including Ekitike. The 22-year-old French youth international moved to Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, after spending the latter half of the 2023/24 season on loan at the German club.
This season, he’s netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists for Frankfurt across all competitions.
Not surprisingly, he’s caught the eye of several top-flight Premier League clubs, but with a contract valid until 2029, the forward is expected to fetch a fee north of £106 million this summer.
In what might be viewed as a roadblock for interested parties, the future of the Frankfurt star remains uncertain as he’s yet to indicate a desire to depart, especially after enjoying his inaugural full term with the team.
(Image: Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Frankfurt’s successful clinch for a Champions League spot next season was solidified in Saturday’s 3-1 triumph against SC Freiburg, capping off the 2024/25 Bundesliga.
Though Ekitike wasn’t among the goals in this crucial fixture, his key assist for Rasmus Kristensen’s decider exemplified his impact.
Celebrating the achievement, the French forward took to Instagram, boasting: “Yea you can write that in the books. We go to Champions League.”
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This upcoming campaign will only be Frankfurt’s third dalliance with the elite European contest; their history includes a memorable final in 1960 and a round of 16 appearance back in the 2022/23 season.
Ekitike’s emotional reaction on social media, marked by anticipation for Champions League action with Frankfurt, might just point to his inclination to don the club’s colors in Europe’s top-tier competition once more.
Liverpool.com says: Ekitike is certainly one to keep an eye on this summer, although you wouldn’t blame him if he decides to stay put in Frankfurt. Likewise, you could understand if clubs like Liverpool decide to take a look at him in the Champions League before making a move for him.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
