Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Exclusives
Why Hugo Ekitike is already seriously excited to work with Arne Slot at Liverpool
Liverpool have now made a second offer to sign French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, TBR Football understands.
Sources in Frankfurt have confirmed that Liverpool’s second bid for Hugo Ekitike is in excess of €90m (£78m).
And when add-ons are included, Frankfurt expect that their €100m (£87m) asking price will be met — a deal is just about done for the 23-year-old to head to Anfield.
After joining Frankfurt permanently from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions last season.
Liverpool recently asked about Alexander Isak’s availability at Newcastle United, but after being met with more resistance, the Reds have turned their attention to Ekitike.
And whilst very few strikers in world football can rival Isak right now, Ekitike does possess a fairly similar skill-set, even if he is much earlier in his career.
Hugo Ekitike can’t wait to join Liverpool ahead of next summer’s World Cup
That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now shared that Ekitike is ecstatic to join Liverpool.
Liverpool and Frankfurt’s negotiations for the striker have been very amicable — and Richard Hughes’ proficiency this summer is set to continue.
Of course, Ekitike is currently uncapped for France’s senior national team, a striker who has scored five in five for the U21s.
But after moving to Merseyside, Ekitike already has an eye on Didier Deschamps’ squad for the World Cup next summer.
Bailey explained: “Liverpool have moved quickly and they have reached agreement with Frankfurt, am told the two clubs have got on very well during talks and it is no surprise agreement has been reached.
“I am told that Ekitike is ecstatic with the move, he feels this move will help propel him into the France picture for the World Cup, which is a huge ambition of his.
“Ever since Newcastle came in for him back in 2022, he has had a real desire to play in England.”
Liverpool are not finished once they sign Hugo Ekitike
Once Liverpool finalise a deal for Ekitike, the forward will join the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez at Anfield — four excellent signings.
However, Liverpool sources have suggested to TBR Football that the club still want to sign at least one more forward, if not two along with Ekitike.
Liverpool plan to sell Darwin Nunez and several other forward-thinking players could also leave.
Luis Diaz continues to be linked with Bayern and the likes of Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa could depart before the new season begins.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon would prefer to join Liverpool over the likes of Arsenal if he did leave St James’ Park this summer.
But as was the case with Isak, Newcastle might be very reluctant to sell one of their star players upon their return to the Champions League.