Newcastle United and Liverpool have both been mentioned as potential suitors for Eintracht Frankfurt’s in-demand forward.
A team-mate of Hugo Ekitike, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool, has assured that the striker remains fully committed to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Reds are reportedly one of several clubs monitoring Ekitike during the current summer transfer window. The France under-21 international scored 22 goals last season, helping Frankfurt to a third-place finish in the Bundesliga and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Frankfurt have supposedly placed an £85 million valuation on Ekitike, with the player tied to the club until 2029, giving the German side significant control over any potential deal.
It’s common for transfer speculation to unsettle players ahead of a possible move. However, Timothy Chandler, a long-serving figure at the Waldstadion, has expressed confidence that Ekitike won’t be distracted. In a conversation with German outlet BILD, Chandler stated:
“He’s very open about it; we talked about it on the first day. If he stays here, he’ll do anything for Eintracht. I completely believe him.
“He’s pushing hard. You really have to say that. And he says: If something happens, something happens; if not, then it doesn’t. As long as he’s here, he’ll push hard and he’s a very, very good boy. And I also know that even if he ends up staying here, he’ll give it his all.”
Will Liverpool Sign Hugo Ekitike?
Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike. Manchester United have reportedly made contact during the transfer window, while Arsenal and Chelsea have also shown interest in the talented forward.
In a surprising twist, Newcastle United have now emerged as serious contenders to land the former Paris Saint-Germain striker. The Magpies were previously eyeing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, but both players moved on – Delap to Chelsea from Ipswich Town and Pedro from Brighton, also to Chelsea.
Newcastle already have Alexander Isak leading their attack, but talkSPORT reports that Ekitike is being targeted to partner the Swedish striker, rather than replace him. Isak enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 27 goals across all competitions.
While Liverpool would undoubtedly be interested if Isak ever became available, Newcastle are determined to retain him after securing Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Ekitike has also attracted attention from Saudi Pro League clubs Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah.
According to journalist Julien Laurens, Ekitike’s agent has flown to Newcastle in an effort to complete the deal.
Liverpool’s Next Priority
Liverpool’s pursuit of a new striker may hinge on their ability to raise the necessary funds. The club has already invested around £200 million on signings including Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Darwin Nunez has struggled to deliver consistent performances since his £64 million move from Benfica in 2022. During Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, the Uruguayan made just eight starts and scored seven goals across all competitions. His situation has attracted interest from the Serie A champions.
Federico Chiesa is another attacking option who might be on the move. Although he only arrived at Anfield last summer, he had a limited role in his debut season, featuring just five times in the Premier League. The Italian has now been linked with a possible return to Serie A.
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