Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), according to reports on Monday.
The Premier League giants shifted their attention to the 23-year-old Frenchman after Newcastle United refused to sell Swedish forward Alexander Isak, who remains valued at around £150 million.
Liverpool appear to have beaten competition from Newcastle and Manchester United, both of whom were also keen on the highly rated attacker. The deal could rise to £79 million with a further £10 million in performance-related add-ons.
Ekitike is expected to join Arne Slot’s squad during their pre-season tour of Asia once the transfer is finalized.
The French striker enjoyed a breakout season at Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions after moving from Paris Saint-Germain.
He was notably absent from Frankfurt’s recent friendly against FSV Frankfurt, with manager Dino Toppmoller confirming the move, calling Ekitike’s exit “a bitter loss.”
Liverpool’s move for a new forward comes after the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in Spain. The club is also open to selling Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while winger Luis Diaz remains a target for Bayern Munich, who have already had a bid rejected.
The Reds have been active in the transfer window, having already spent £116 million on German midfielder Florian Wirtz, and reinforced their defence with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also joined from Valencia.