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<p>Alternative to Alexander Isak</p>
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<img alt="Hugo Ekitiké set for Liverpool move - Frankfurt receive record transfer fee" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/hugo-ekitike-to-liverpool-1753022151-172775.png" title="Hugo Ekitiké set for Liverpool move - Frankfurt receive record transfer fee">
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<p>Liverpool has made a major advancement in negotiations to sign Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. The initial offer was €80 million, which was turned down by Frankfurt. This bid matched a previous offer from Newcastle, who subsequently withdrew from the race when Ekitiké expressed a clear preference for joining Liverpool. Liverpool has since increased their offer to €90 million, approaching Frankfurt's asking price of €95 million. The two clubs are now nearing an agreement. Ekitiké was omitted from Eintracht's friendly match against city rivals FSV Frankfurt over the weekend, signaling an imminent transfer. Eintracht's coach, Dino Toppmöller, acknowledged this, stating, "He didn't play; I think it is clear why."</p>
<p>This transfer fee would equal the record amount Frankfurt received for Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, who paid €95 million for the player. The Bundesliga club had also transferred Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for €75 million, marking Ekitiké as the third significant sale for Eintracht in the past two years. Ekitiké's high valuation reflects Eintracht's strong negotiation skills; sources indicate that the talented 23-year-old striker is under contract until 2029, with no exit clause included. Therefore, while Frankfurt is willing to facilitate a transfer, they are also determined to secure a fair price for their asset, given that a portion of the fee will go to his former club.</p>
<p>Frankfurt initially acquired Ekitiké on loan from PSG in February 2024 for €3.5 million before making the deal permanent for an additional €16.5 million the following summer. PSG is expected to receive 20% of any profit Frankfurt makes on this transfer. Since arriving, Ekitiké's market value has skyrocketed from €15 million to €75 million, but Frankfurt is aiming for a fee that exceeds this valuation before considering a deal.</p>
<h2>€75m+ - Why is Liverpool eager to sign Hugo Ekitiké?</h2>
<p>Interest in Ekitiké has surged, with Chelsea showing interest ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and Arsenal previously considering him before shifting focus to other targets. For Liverpool, acquiring Ekitiké means adding a player who finally met the high expectations placed on him during his time at PSG, when they signed him for €28.5 million from Stade Reims in 2023.</p>
<p>In the 2024/25 season, Ekitiké recorded 15 goals and provided eight assists across 33 Bundesliga matches. With top scorer Marmoush moving to Manchester City, Ekitiké played a vital role in ensuring Frankfurt finished in the top four, securing a spot in the Champions League. As highlighted on Transfermarkt, Ekitiké is a versatile forward capable of playing as a central striker or on the wing. He's exceptionally talented and fast, with great potential for further development, whether that be at Frankfurt or another club.</p>
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