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<p>Alternative to Alexander Isak</p>
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<img alt="Liverpool's bid for Hugo Ekitiké rejected as Newcastle United exits the race" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/hugo-ekitike-eintracht-frankfurt-2025-1741201313-162686.jpg" title="Liverpool's bid for Hugo Ekitiké rejected as Newcastle United exits the race" />
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<span>©IMAGO</span>
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<p>Liverpool has officially placed a bid for Hugo Ekitiké, with Newcastle United stepping back from the pursuit of the Eintracht Frankfurt forward. According to <em>Transfermarkt</em>, Newcastle's €80 million offer was rejected by the Bundesliga club on July 15, as it was deemed inadequate. With Newcastle no longer interested in Liverpool's primary target, Alexander Isak, they have exited the race for Ekitiké, prompting Liverpool to act. Although Frankfurt has rejected the initial bid, negotiations are ongoing, and the French international is eager to move to Anfield.</p>
<p>What constitutes a significant offer? Frankfurt, having sold Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain for €95 million and Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for €75 million in the last two years, will demand a hefty price for Ekitiké to depart this summer. Reports indicate that their asking price is around €100 million. The club is known for its sharp negotiating skills and has historically secured favorable deals. Additionally, the 23-year-old striker is contracted until 2029, with no exit clause included in his agreement.</p>
<p>Frankfurt initially signed Ekitiké on loan from PSG in February 2024 for €3.5 million, then made the arrangement permanent for an additional €16.5 million the following summer. It is understood that PSG will receive 20% of any profits made by Frankfurt from this deal. Since his arrival, Ekitiké's market value has soared from €15 million to €75 million, but Frankfurt is looking for an amount that exceeds his current market rate to entertain a transfer.</p>
<h2>€75m+ - Why Liverpool is eager to acquire Hugo Ekitiké</h2>
<p>Interest in Ekitiké has surged. Prior to the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea expressed interest in him, and at one point, Arsenal considered the forward before shifting their focus to Benjamin Sesko and later Viktor Gyökeres. For Liverpool, signing Ekitiké means securing a player who, in the previous season, finally lived up to the high expectations set when PSG signed him for €28.5 million from Stade Reims in 2023.</p>
<p>In the 2024/25 season, Ekitiké netted 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 Bundesliga matches. His contributions were vital for Frankfurt as they finished in the top four, especially after losing their top scorer Marmoush to Manchester City. As noted by <em>Transfermarkt</em>, Ekitiké is a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or on the wing. With great talent and speed, there's a belief that he has the potential to reach even greater heights—whether that be at Frankfurt or possibly at Newcastle remains to be seen.</p>
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