Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle United that he wants to explore a transfer this summer, according to multiple reports.
The Swedish striker has not travelled with the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, with the club citing a minor thigh injury. However, The Athletic reports that his absence was at the player’s request, and reflects his desire to keep options open amid growing uncertainty over his future.
Mail Sport revealed that Isak has made it clear to Newcastle’s hierarchy that he is considering a move, with Liverpool showing strong interest. The 25-year-old still has three years remaining on his current deal, but talks over a new contract have stalled. The Telegraphadds that while Newcastle want to keep the player and have been open to an extension, Isak and his camp are currently not willing to commit.
Newcastle’s position remains that Isak is not for sale, though it is believed a bid in the region of £150 million could force their hand. The Athletic notes that Liverpool have previously indicated a willingness to go as high as £120 million for the former Real Sociedad striker.
Reports: Alexander Isak Asks To Leave Newcastle Amid Liverpool Interest
Isak missed Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic last weekend and was not on the flight to Singapore. Eddie Howe had initially suggested the player would join up with the team later, but that now appears unlikely as the situation develops.
The forward scored 27 goals in all competitions last season, including 23 in the Premier League, a tally bettered only by Mohamed Salah among Liverpool players. He also netted in the Carabao Cup final, helping Newcastle secure their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
Liverpool’s new signing, Hugo Ekitike, has officially joined up with the squad in Hong Kong.
The 22-year-old forward flew out to Asia on Thursday afternoon, just a day after completing his move from Eintracht Frankfurt. Liverpool agreed a deal worth up to £79 million for the French striker, who has signed a six-year contract.
Ekitike landed in Hong Kong and was quickly taken to the team hotel, where he was welcomed by club staff. He later made his way to Kai Tak Stadium to attend Liverpool’s open training session.
Hugo Ekitike Arrives In Hong Kong To Join Liverpool Squad
Ekitike arrived after the training session and greeted teammates and staff on the pitch, receiving a warm welcome as he was introduced to the group.
The new signing watched from the sidelines and got the chance to meet his teammates for the first time.
Liverpool are currently on their pre-season tour of Asia and will face AC Milan in Hong Kong on Friday. Ekitike is expected to train with the squad before making his debut later in the tour.
The striker scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season and was one of the standout young players in
Hugo Ekitike will wear the No.54 shirt during Liverpool’s pre-season tour, the club have confirmed.
The French striker completed his move from Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week and is expected to join up with Arne Slot’s squad in Hong Kong after finalising paperwork and media duties. He becomes the Reds’ seventh signing of the summer.
Ekitike’s permanent number is yet to be confirmed, but for now, he will wear 54 during the Reds’ Asia tour, starting with Saturday’s match against AC Milan.
Liverpool Reveals Temporary Shirt Number for Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool have also handed temporary shirt numbers to their six other summer arrivals. Goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman will wear 55 and 56, respectively. Milos Kerkez takes 57, Florian Wirtz 58, Jeremie Frimpong 59 and young stopper Armin Pecsi 60.
The club have made it clear that all these numbers are for pre-season only, with official squad numbers for the 2025–26 season to be finalised later this summer.
Liverpool will face AC Milan in Hong Kong before flying to Japan to meet Yokohama F. Marinos. The tour marks their first matches since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota earlier this month. His No.20 shirt has now been retired across all levels of the club as a tribute.
Ekitike joins the Reds after scoring 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season and is expected to lead the line under Slot in the new campaign.
Liverpool have completed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, with the French striker now officially a Red.
The big question now is whether Ekitike is worth the price tag. After a breakout season in Germany, Liverpool are betting on his potential to lead the line under Arne Slot. But with only one full top-level season behind him, fans and pundits are split on whether it’s a smart investment or a major risk.
Ekitike has signed a six-year contract and will now travel with the team for their pre-season tour in Asia, where Liverpool will face AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos.
This could become Eintracht Frankfurt’s biggest-ever sale, beating the £76.4 million Paris Saint-Germain paid for Randal Kolo Muani in 2023.
Liverpool turned to Ekitike after being told Alexander Isak was not for sale. The Frenchman was also on the radar of Newcastle, Manchester United, and Arsenal, but chose Anfield after holding talks with Arne Slot.
Performance & Stats
From Reims to Frankfurt, Hugo Ekitike has shown growth in both end product and consistency. Across his senior career so far, he has played 123 matches, scoring 41 goals and providing 22 assists in all competitions. Most of that production came during his time at Frankfurt, where he found top form in 2024/25.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Season
Club
Games
Goals / Assists
2024/25
Eintracht Frankfurt
48
22 / 12
2023/24
PSG / Eintracht Frankfurt
17
4 / 2
2022/23
Paris Saint-Germain
32
4 / 4
2021/22
Stade Reims
26
11 / 4
Hugo Ekitike enjoyed his best season yet in 2024/25, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt.
He played a total of 3,581 minutes and averaged a goal or assist every 113 minutes, demonstrating his consistency and effectiveness throughout the season.
In the Bundesliga, Ekitike finished with 15 goals in 33 games, ranking among the top forwards in the league. His xG was 21.67, meaning he slightly underperformed his chances, but still showed good positioning and movement inside the box. He also contributed six assists in league action.
Is Hugo Ekitike Really Worth £79 Million?
In the Europa League, he scored 4 goals and made 4 assists in 10 games, helping Frankfurt reach the quarter-finals. His goals came in key matches, including one against Sporting and another away to Real Sociedad, underlining his ability to deliver on the European stage.
Ekitike also made five appearances in the DFB-Pokal, scoring three times, including a brace in the quarter-final win over RB Leipzig.
His 2024/25 campaign demonstrated growth in both output and maturity, featuring increased involvement in link-up play and pressing from the front.
Is Hugo Ekitike Really Worth £79 million?
It’s a fair question. Spending £79 million on a 23-year-old with just one big season in Germany is a risk. So, is Hugo Ekitike worth that kind of money?
First, you’re not just paying for what he is now, you’re paying for what he could become. At Frankfurt last season, Ekitike scored 22 goals and made 12 assists across the Bundesliga, Europa League, and German Cup. He stepped up in big games and led the line with maturity.
According to FootyStats, he played 2,581 minutes and averaged 0.52 goals per 90. That ranked him 21st out of 391 Bundesliga players who played at least three matches. He was Frankfurt’s top scorer in the league, showing consistency across the season.
Is Hugo Ekitike Really Worth £79 Million?
Second, his style fits what Liverpool needs. He presses defenders, links play well, and makes smart runs into space, all key traits in Arne Slot’s system. Ekitike isn’t just a finisher; he’s involved in the build-up and movement. With Diogo Jota gone and Luis Diaz possibly leaving, Ekitike brings energy, sharp finishing, and tactical flexibility. He can lead the line or drift wide, similar to Gakpo or Darwin Nunez.
Third, compared to today’s market, £79 million is not excessive. Top strikers like Osimhen and Isak are valued close to £150 million. Liverpool have acted quickly to sign someone with similar potential for nearly half that.
Yes, not all strikers succeed after leaving Germany. Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Sébastien Haller, and Lukas Podolski never fully lived up to expectations. But others like Heung-Min Son, Roberto Firmino, and Erling Haaland have thrived. Ekitike has the pace, size, and growing confidence to follow the successful path. His game looks well-suited to the Premier League.
Verdict
Ekitike isn’t the finished product, but Liverpool are investing in his future. At 23, with strong numbers and a style that fits Slot’s plans, there’s a clear logic behind the deal. In a market where top forwards are priced at £150 million, this could prove to be smart business.
It’s a calculated gamble, but one that could pay off big.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million.
The 23-year-old completed his medical in London on Tuesday and signed a six-year contract that runs until 2031. He will now fly to Hong Kong to link up with his new teammates on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia.
The Reds will pay £69 million up front, with a further £10 million in performance-based add-ons agreed with Frankfurt. It makes Ekitike the third-most expensive player in Liverpool’s history.
Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt last season and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. He joins Liverpool after just 18 months in Germany, having initially moved from Paris Saint-Germain on loan.
Born in Reims, Ekitike started his career with Stade de Reims before earning a move to PSG, where he made 33 appearances and won a Ligue 1 title. He stands 6ft 3in tall, is right-footed, and has already represented France at U21 level.
His arrival at Anfield is seen as a major statement from Liverpool under Arne Slot, who has now brought in seven new players this summer, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman. The club’s total summer spending has reached £295 million.
Ekitike turned down offers from Newcastle United and Manchester United to join Liverpool, convinced by Slot’s project and plans for how he would fit into the system. The striker is expected to play a key role as the central forward, especially off the ball, an area Slot sees as essential.
The club have not confirmed Ekitike’s official squad number yet, but like other new signings, he will wear a temporary number during pre-season.
Liverpool’s next match is against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday before facing Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan next Wednesday.
Liverpool are set to take their summer spending close to £300 million after agreeing a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Reds will pay a fixed fee of £69 million (€80 million), with add-ons that could increase the total package to €95 million (£82 million), according to Sky Sports and other reports. Ekitike is expected to sign a six-year contract at Anfield.
The French forward becomes Liverpool’s fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Here is everything you need to know about Hugo Ekitike.
All You Need To Know About Hugo Ekitike
Who Is Hugo Ekitike?
Hugo Ekitike is a 22-year-old French striker who made his name at Stade de Reims and is now set for the biggest move of his career. He was born in Reims to a Cameroonian father and a French mother, and began his football journey at local club Cormontreuil FC before joining the Reims academy in 2013.
He made his senior debut for Reims in 2020 and went on loan to Danish side Vejle BK in early 2021. After returning to France, Ekitike broke onto the scene with a standout campaign that drew interest from top clubs across Europe.
Paris Saint-Germain signed him on loan in 2022, and although he featured regularly, he found minutes hard to come by behind Neymar, Mbappé and Messi. The move became permanent in 2023, but after Luis Enrique replaced Christophe Galtier as manager, Ekitike was frozen out of the squad and made just one appearance under the new coach.
In February 2024, he moved to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan and quickly made an impact. The German side made the deal permanent two months later. After rebuilding his career in the Bundesliga, Ekitike is now on the verge of joining Premier League champions Liverpool.
He has played for France at the youth level and is seen as a future senior international.
Style of Play
Hugo Ekitike is a tall, quick, and technically gifted striker who operates best through the middle but can also play out wide. He is comfortable on the ball, known for his smooth dribbling, clever movement, and ability to carry the ball from deep. In transition, he becomes a real threat when driving forward with purpose.
Ekitike is a hard-working forward who presses from the front and often drops deep to link up play. Strong and agile, he combines silky touches with smart runs and a habit of cutting in from the left. His style has led to regular comparisons with a young Thierry Henry.
Ekitike is not just a goal threat. He links up well with teammates, shows intelligence in his passing, and has the vision to pick the right option in the final third. He also works hard off the ball, pressing defenders and leading the line with energy.
Still developing, Ekitike offers a mix of flair, mobility, and physical presence that makes him a modern forward with huge potential.
2024/2025 Season
In the 2024/25 season, Hugo Ekitike scored 22 goals in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, including 15 in the Bundesliga, which was his best league return so far. The French forward also provided 12 assists and scored in big games against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
Ekitike averaged around four shots per game in the Bundesliga, one of the highest among regular starters, and took 44 shots after carrying the ball, which ranked fourth across Europe’s top five leagues. He finished the season with an expected assist total of 6.8, placing him among the best creators in the Bundesliga.
At just 22 years old, he has already made over 100 senior appearances across Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and European competition, and has played for France at the Under-20 and Under-21 levels.
Honours & Awards
During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Hugo Ekitike won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons. On the international stage, he was part of the France U20 side that lifted the Maurice Revello Tournament trophy in 2022.
Individually, Ekitike’s performances in Germany earned him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2024–25, underlining his rise as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.
Hugo Ekitike is still young but already looks like a top striker in the making. If he keeps working hard, he could become a star at Liverpool.
Liverpool’s move for Hugo Ekitike moved quickly last week, and it started with a Zoom call.
According to ESPN reporters Beth Lindop and Julien Laurens, the Dutchman used the call to share his tactical plans for the coming season and where he sees Ekitike fitting in.
Slot made it clear he wanted a No.9 who could move, press, and link play, someone with both pace and awareness. Ekitike, who scored 22 goals and added 12 assists last season, was told he would bring something new to Liverpool’s front line.
How Arne Slot’s Zoom Call Convinced Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool first made contact with Ekitike’s camp as early as March. Despite strong interest from other clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle United, the striker felt wanted and understood after his conversation with Slot. Liverpool quickly became his top choice, and he pushed for a move to Anfield.
Florian Wirtz, another summer signing, also credited Slot’s influence as a factor in his decision to join Liverpool.
Liverpool have agreed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt, reported to be worth an initial £69 million, with potential add-ons worth up to £10 million. Ekitike and his agent, Karl Mwalako, are currently in London to complete his medical and sign his contract. He is then expected to travel to Asia to join Liverpool’s pre-season tour.
If all goes to plan, the deal could be finalised by tomorrow
Hugo Ekitike is expected to undergo his Liverpool medical in the coming days, with the French striker set to finalise his move after a £69 million agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt.
According to reports from The Athletic and other reliable sources, Liverpool will pay £69 million up front, with a further £10 million in performance-based add-ons. The total package could rise to £79 million, making Ekitike one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.
The 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms on a six-year deal and is due to travel to Merseyside soon for his medical and media duties before linking up with Arne Slot’s squad in Asia.
When Hugo Ekitike Will Undergo Liverpool Medical
Liverpool’s pre-season tour is already underway, with the squad landing in Hong Kong on Monday ahead of matches against AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos. While Ekitike is not expected to feature against Milan, he could make his debut next week in Japan.
The club’s medical staff have reportedly remained in the UK to carry out the tests before the player flies out to Asia. Ekitike is expected to travel once all formalities are completed, according to reports.
The French international scored 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season and will become Liverpool’s seventh summer signing, joining Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pesci, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Freddie Woodman.
An official club announcement could arrive as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.
Liverpool have agreed a deal worth up to €95 million to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, according to reports from England and Germany.
The Reds have been busy in the transfer market as Arne Slot builds a new team after winning the Premier League last season. Four new players have already joined the squad. Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili have all signed. Ekitike is now set to become the fifth signing after Liverpool reached an agreement with Frankfurt.
Liverpool moved for the France under-21 striker after they were told that Alexander Isak was not for sale. Newcastle had already tried to sign Ekitike with a £70 million bid, but it was rejected. Liverpool then made a second offer, which was improved, and that has now been accepted.
Liverpool Agree €95m Deal To Sign Hugo Ekitike
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool will pay a fixed fee of £69 million. The deal also includes performance-based bonuses. If all the add-ons are met, the total amount could rise to £82 million. The Athletic says Frankfurt believe this could break their club-record sale of Randal Kolo Muani to PSG.
Ekitike has agreed on personal terms on a six-year contract, according to multiple reports. He is expected to join the team soon. He scored 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season and finished with 22 goals in all competitions. He was left on the bench during Frankfurt’s weekend friendly. His manager said losing him would be “a bitter loss.”
With Luis Diaz pushing to leave and Darwin Nunez attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, Liverpool may still make changes in attack. There are still rumours around Alexander Isak as well, after he was left out of Newcastle’s squad over the weekend by mutual agreement.
Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Hugo Ekitike as they close in on a major summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Multiple top sources, including Sky Germany, The Athletic, and Ben Jacobs, report that the 23-year-old striker is keen to join the Premier League champions, with terms between the player and club now fully agreed.
According to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have overtaken Newcastle United in the race, with the Reds offering more than the Magpies. Newcastle had a €75 million bid turned down earlier in the window, and have since dropped out. Liverpool’s proposal is said to be worth over €80 million (£69.2m), giving them the edge as talks continue.
David Ornstein of The Athletic adds that negotiations between Liverpool and Frankfurt are ongoing, but the feeling on all sides is that a deal can be struck soon. Manchester United also showed interest in Ekitike but did not submit a formal offer, while the player has always been drawn to a move to Anfield.
Reports: Liverpool Agree Personal Terms With Hugo Ekitike
Ben Jacobs, reporting for GIVEMESPORT, revealed that Liverpool have already made a verbal offer of more than £70 million, and Ekitike has accepted a six-year contract with the Reds. Frankfurt are still pushing for a deal closer to £85 million, but discussions are active and a compromise in the region of £75m–£80m could settle it, depending on how the payments are structured.
Jacobs also noted that while Liverpool enquired about Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, his £150 million price tag made Ekitike the more realistic and preferred option.
Ekitike impressed last season with 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt. He joined the Bundesliga side permanently from PSG last summer in a €17.5 million deal following a strong loan spell.
Arne Slot sees the Frenchman as a key part of his plan to refresh Liverpool’s attack, and with Liverpool agreeing personal terms with Hugo Ekitike, finalising the transfer fee is now the last step before the deal is completed.
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