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<p>Liverpool has officially signed Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. The initial offer of €80 million made last week was rejected by Frankfurt, which matched Newcastle's bid. However, the Magpies withdrew from the chase after Ekitiké expressed a preference to join Liverpool. Eintracht Frankfurt aimed for a fee close to €95 million, and it's understood that both clubs have now reached an agreement near that figure. Ekitiké was excluded from Eintracht’s recent friendly against FSV Frankfurt and was not part of their training camp in the United States, indicating that a transfer was imminent. The deal is now confirmed.</p>
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<p>The total fee that Frankfurt will receive for Ekitiké is expected to equal the club record set by the transfer of Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain for €95 million. Furthermore, Frankfurt recently sold Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for €75 million, marking Ekitiké as the third significant outgoing transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in the past two years. Several factors contribute to Ekitiké's high valuation: he is only 23 years old, has a contract that runs until 2029 with no exit clause, and Frankfurt is known for their strong negotiating skills in the transfer market. His signing will make him the second most expensive acquisition in Liverpool's history, surpassing Darwin Núñez's transfer.</p>
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<p>While Eintracht Frankfurt is willing to allow Ekitiké to leave, they also seek to secure a fair price for their striker. A substantial part of the transfer fee will benefit Ekitiké's former club. Frankfurt initially signed Ekitiké on loan from PSG in February 2024 for €3.5 million and later made the transfer permanent for an additional €16.5 million. It is reported that PSG will receive 20% of the profit from this deal. Since joining Eintracht, Ekitiké's market value has skyrocketed from €15 million to €75 million. Frankfurt demanded an amount significantly above his market price to consider a transfer and have achieved their goal. This deal will push Liverpool's spending beyond €300 million, the highest in this transfer window.</p>
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<h2>Why Liverpool is Eager to Sign Hugo Ekitiké for €95 Million?</h2>
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<p>There has been considerable interest in Ekitiké. Chelsea initially showed interest ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Arsenal also considered him before shifting their focus to Benjamin Sesko and later Viktor Gyökeres. With Ekitiké, Liverpool acquires a player who, last season, finally delivered on the high expectations set when PSG signed him for €28.5 million from Stade Reims in 2023. Ekitiké's versatility as a forward will enhance Liverpool's already formidable attacking lineup.</p>
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<p>In the 2024/25 season, Ekitiké scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. After losing top scorer Marmoush to Manchester City, Ekitiké played a crucial role in helping Frankfurt secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League. As noted on Transfermarkt, Ekitiké is a complete forward, capable of playing as a central striker or on the wing. His immense talent and speed indicate that he has the potential to reach even greater heights. It will be up to Arne Slot to maximize his abilities moving forward.</p>
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