Liverpool have identified Hugo Ekitike as their top target for the summer, and the forward is now said to be pushing for a move to Anfield by submitting a formal transfer request.
Reports suggest that Ekitike has handed in a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt in an effort to secure a switch to Liverpool. The French striker has emerged as the club’s main focus after they moved away from pursuing Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, whose valuation reportedly stood at £125 million.
Liverpool have made an approach for Ekitike, who was also the subject of a £70 million bid from Newcastle that was rejected. The Premier League champions are now considered frontrunners in the race to land the 23-year-old, with sources indicating that the player is keen to join Arne Slot’s squad.
Although Liverpool might have to activate Ekitike’s release clause—estimated at around £86.5 million—he still represents a more financially viable option than Isak. To help make the deal happen, the French international has now reportedly taken the step of requesting a transfer from Frankfurt.
According to Sport BILD, Ekitike is willing to push hard for the move and has taken control of the situation. Newcastle were hoping to partner him with Isak up front, but it now seems Liverpool are leading the chase for his signature.
Despite already having several attacking options—such as Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa—Slot is eager to reduce the team’s reliance on Salah and increase the competition in the forward line.
Liverpool have underlined their ambition to retain attacking strength by rejecting Bayern Munich’s £58.6 million offer for Diaz. The Merseyside club have also brought in six new players this window, including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and record signing Florian Wirtz, who arrived for a British record fee of £116.5 million.
Liverpool have also welcomed goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia and secured the services of Freddie Woodman after his exit from Preston, along with Armin Pecsi.
Newsnow Liverpool understands that personal terms have been agreed between Ekitike and the Reds ahead of a proposed move to Anfield. Discussions with Frankfurt regarding a transfer fee for the striker have been ongoing since Tuesday.
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