Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Visionhaus

Exclusives

FeaturedExclusivesLiverpoolEnglish Premier LeagueNewcastle United

Liverpool ‘impressed’ by Hugo Ekitike as Frankfurt sign replacement but deal hinges on two key factors

Mehdi Gokal

Thu 10 July 2025 19:45, UK Updated Fri 11 July 2025 7:21, UK

Liverpool’s interest in Hugo Ekitike appears to be growing, with sources confirming the Reds have been left impressed by the 23-year-old striker.

The Reds have already made some big moves this summer, having broken the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz while also signing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

While the focus has shifted towards outgoings for now, Liverpool are expected to sign a new striker and another centre-back before the transfer window shuts.

One of the strikers they have been strongly linked with this summer is Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike. However, any move is said to hinge on two major factors.

Frankfurt have already signed Hugo Ekitike replacement amid Liverpool interest

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Frankfurt have already signed Ekitike’s replacement in Jonathan Burkardt, a player Manchester United also looked at very closely.

Liverpool have been left ‘impressed’ by Ekitike and continue to be linked with a move for him. However, any move hinges on two key factors – the price tag and Alexander Isak’s situation.

Ekitike’s price tag could be a problem for the Reds, who are not willing to sign him for £86m (€100m). However, TBR Football understands that there is a belief in England that Frankfurt will eventually reduce their asking price.

Isak remains Liverpool’s dream target, and if he were to become available, the Reds will prioritise a move for him.

Bailey reveals that the Reds are waiting to see how Isak’s situation develops before making any move. But as per him, the young Frenchman is a player that Arne Slot’s side admires.

Speaking exclusively to TBR Football, Bailey said: “It’s gone under the radar a bit that Eintracht Frankfurt have signed Jonathan Burkardt, who Man Utd looked very closely at. Frankfurt have already signed Ekitike’s replacement.

“If they continue to demand €100m then Ekitke won’t move, but there’s a belief in England that they won’t so there’s real interest there. He’s one on Liverpool’s list, but they’re happy to wait to hear news on their dream target Alexander Isak.

“Newcastle are doing work on potential replacements for Isak too [if he doesn’t sign a new deal], and Ekitike is one of them.

“Liverpool know the striker market and Ekitike is one who has impressed them, I can confirm that.”

Newcastle also eyeing Hugo Ekitike amid Alexander Isak’s uncertain future

Isak’s future at the club remains uncertain, with Liverpool showing strong interest in signing him.

However, prising him away from St James’ Park will not be an easy task, with Newcastle valuing him at around £120m.

But if Isak refuses to sign a new deal, the Magpies could consider selling him and TBR Football understands that Ekitike has been identified as a replacement by Newcastle, who are doing their groundwork on potential replacements.

Their interest in the Frenchman is not new, with Newcastle almost signing Ekitike in 2022, as revealed by the player himself. Ekitike told Le10 Sport: I’m not setting aside everything Newcastle did for me to come. If I had to go abroad, I would have gone there.

“But, when PSG wants you and you’re French, you can’t refuse. All those who positioned themselves were big clubs.”