Arne Slot Eyes Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool Open Talks Over €100 Million Striker Move

Liverpool step up pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt star amid Chelsea interest

Liverpool’s first summer under Arne Slot is beginning to take shape—and it could start with a bold statement in the transfer market. The Merseyside club have entered the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and are holding active talks with the Bundesliga side over a potential €100 million (£84 million) move, according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg.

The 21-year-old Frenchman is hot property after a sensational season in Germany, and while Chelsea have been long-time admirers of the former PSG man, Liverpool may be ready to gazump their Premier League rivals for one of the continent’s most promising No.9s.

Ekitike’s breakthrough campaign turns heads across Europe

Ekitike arrived at Eintracht Frankfurt with questions swirling about his ability to deliver on the hype that once surrounded him during his brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain. But any doubts were quickly put to bed. The young forward found his stride in emphatic fashion during the 2024–25 campaign, netting 22 goals and providing eight assists across 48 appearances in all competitions.

His combination of pace, movement, and instinctive finishing made him a nightmare for Bundesliga defences and played a central role in Frankfurt’s impressive third-place finish—securing them a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. His value has soared as a result, with Frankfurt reportedly holding firm on their €100 million valuation.

While that price tag may raise eyebrows, there’s no denying Ekitike’s stock is on the rise—and his age, ceiling, and recent output make him an enticing investment for clubs looking for a long-term attacking solution.

Slot and Edwards see Ekitike as a perfect fit

Hugo Ekitike Eintracht Frankfurt 2025

It’s no coincidence that Liverpool have entered the frame just as new head coach Arne Slot begins shaping the team in his own image. Known for favouring a fluid, attacking system, Slot sees Ekitike as an ideal spearhead to lead the line at Anfield. The Frenchman’s ability to press aggressively from the front, stretch opposition backlines, and link play with midfield runners fits seamlessly into the Dutchman’s preferred style of play.

Crucially, Slot isn’t the only one sold on the striker’s potential. Liverpool’s CEO of football, Michael Edwards, who returned to the club earlier this year, is also understood to be a long-time admirer of Ekitike. Edwards has a reputation for backing targeted, data-driven signings—and Ekitike’s breakout campaign appears to tick all the right boxes.

Chelsea lurking, but Liverpool push ahead

Chelsea, for their part, have been keeping tabs on Ekitike for some time. With Mauricio Pochettino’s side continuing to struggle for consistency in the final third, the Blues are also in the market for a proven No.9 to complement the likes of Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku. While they remain interested, it appears Liverpool have moved quicker in opening direct dialogue with Frankfurt.

As it stands, no formal offer has been made by either Premier League side, but negotiations are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks. Frankfurt, flush with Champions League qualification money, are not under pressure to sell cheaply and are prepared to dig in unless their asking price is met.

A new-look Liverpool attack?

Should the Reds complete a deal for Ekitike, it would add an intriguing new dimension to their attacking options. With Darwin Núñez continuing to divide opinion, Diogo Jota battling injuries, and Mohamed Salah’s long-term future still uncertain amid Saudi interest, Ekitike could arrive as both a statement of intent and a strategic piece for the next generation.

His arrival would likely signal a gradual evolution of Liverpool’s frontline, moving away from the traditional front three model perfected under Jürgen Klopp to something more dynamic and rotational under Slot. Ekitike’s versatility—he can also operate from the left or in a two-striker system—only increases his appeal as Liverpool look to refresh without undergoing a full-scale rebuild.

Wirtz also on the radar as Liverpool plan bold summer

While Ekitike is high on Liverpool’s list, he’s not the only name being pursued. Talks are also progressing for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, with reports indicating that personal terms have already been agreed between the German international and the club. The ball is now in Leverkusen’s court, as Liverpool attempt to strike a deal for one of Europe’s most coveted attacking midfielders.

Wirtz and Ekitike would represent a remarkable double coup—an injection of youth, creativity, and attacking firepower all in one window. And they would also signal a clear shift in Liverpool’s recruitment under the new management duo of Slot and Edwards, blending long-term potential with top-level pedigree.

What’s next for Liverpool?

For now, Liverpool’s focus remains on finalising their shortlist and initiating serious negotiations. The Ekitike deal is still in the talking stages, and whether Frankfurt soften on their €100 million stance remains to be seen. But with Chelsea circling and Frankfurt holding the cards, the Reds will need to decide whether the Frenchman is worth pushing the boat out for.

With the post-Klopp era underway, and Slot keen to hit the ground running, Liverpool seem ready to take bold steps in the transfer market. Whether it’s Ekitike leading the line or Wirtz pulling the strings behind him, there’s a clear sense that change is coming at Anfield—and it might just start with a €100 million French phenomenon.