Liverpool Complete £69m Signing of Hugo Ekitike to Lead New-Look Attack

A Statement Signing at Anfield

Liverpool have completed a headline-grabbing transfer by signing French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of £69m. With add-ons, the deal could rise to £79m, making Ekitike one of the most expensive signings in Liverpool’s history.

Details of the Deal

The 23-year-old forward arrives at Anfield following an impressive spell in the Bundesliga. Liverpool’s pursuit of a dynamic young striker intensified after alternative targets fell through, and Ekitike quickly emerged as the Reds’ priority. After passing a medical and agreeing personal terms, Ekitike will join up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour in Asia. The contract runs for six years, tying the striker to the club until the summer of 2031.

• Initial fee: £69m
• Potential add-ons: £10m
• Total value: Up to £79m
• Contract: Six years (until 2031)

Ekitike’s Rise: A Bundesliga Sensation

Ekitike’s journey to Merseyside has been rapid and remarkable. After starting his professional career with Reims in France’s Ligue 1, he joined Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan, before moving permanently to PSG. A lack of opportunities in Paris led to a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, first on loan and then permanently, where Ekitike truly flourished.

Last season, Ekitike notched 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt, helping them secure Champions League qualification. His Bundesliga tally—15 goals and eight assists from 31 starts—placed him among the top five scorers in the league, and he led the division in shots on goal, highlighting both his threat and work rate.

Ekitike’s Frankfurt spell 

Why Liverpool Moved for Ekitike

The move marks the continuation of a summer overhaul under new head coach Arne Slot, who has now added Ekitike alongside Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and others in an ambitious recruitment drive. The departure of Darwin Núñez earlier in the window left Liverpool searching for a modern centre-forward to lead the line in multiple competitions.

Strategically, Ekitike fits Liverpool’s high-intensity style. Noted for his pace, technical skill, and an eye for goal, he brings new dimensions to the attack. His versatility allows him to play centrally or out wide, giving Slot tactical flexibility. Club analysts have tracked Ekitike for several seasons, and his successful adaptation to the Bundesliga convinced Liverpool of his Premier League potential.

The Competition for Ekitike

Interest in Ekitike was fierce. Newcastle United reportedly had a £70m bid rejected, while Manchester United and Chelsea also evaluated late moves. Ultimately, Liverpool secured the forward after selling their project and vision to both the player and his representatives. Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krösche called Ekitike’s departure “a bitter loss,” acknowledging the striker’s major role in recent club success.

A Look Ahead: What Ekitike Offers

Ekitike arrives at Liverpool with immense expectations but also the tools to succeed. At 1.89m tall and blessed with agility and finishing prowess, he is comfortable both as a target man and linking up play. His Bundesliga numbers suggest a player who can score, assist, and press—a perfect fit for Slot’s philosophy.

Key strengths include:

• Prolific goal-scoring: Among Europe’s top young marksmen.
• Creativity: Double-digit assist record last season.
• Work rate: Champions League-level pressing ability.
• Versatility: Can operate across the front line.

Liverpool’s Summer Spending Spree

Ekitike’s acquisition continues a remarkable summer for Liverpool, with spending nearing £300m. The club has prioritized young, high-potential players, aiming both to secure immediate quality and build a foundation for the coming years.

Major Liverpool signings, summer 2025.

Conclusion

Securing Hugo Ekitike for an initial £69m is both a statement of intent and a calculated gamble. If he can replicate or exceed his Bundesliga numbers in the Premier League, Ekitike could become the spearhead of a new Liverpool era. For now, the Anfield faithful wait in anticipation as another global prospect prepares to make his mark under the lights of the Kop.