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Liverpool, who have recently expressed interest in Newcastle's Alexander Isak, have made contact over a possibility of signing the exciting French forward.
Liverpool have reached out to Eintracht Frankfurt about a potential transfer for striker Hugo Ekitike, who is also a target for Newcastle United.
The Athletic previously reported on July 14th that Newcastle had a bid of around €75 million (£64.9 million; $86.9 million) rejected by Frankfurt for the forward. Now, Liverpool have also made an approach as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
This development comes amidst Liverpool's pursuit of Newcastle's Alexander Isak. The Merseyside club have expressed interest in a deal worth approximately £120 million for the 25-year-old Swedish international.
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10:00 - 16.07.2025
Chelsea Prepare New Bid for Manchester United Winger
The Blues have intensified efforts to sign a Manchester United winger, preparing an improved offer to strengthen their attacking options soon.
Newcastle are making their third attempt to sign Ekitike, having previously failed in January and the summer of 2022. While sensitivities remain high at Liverpool following the recent passing of Diogo Jota, the club recognizes the need for further reinforcements.
The Athletic also reported on Tuesday that Liverpool's priority is securing a top-tier striker. They are reportedly open to offers for Darwin Nunez, while winger Luiz Diaz has expressed his desire to leave. Although Liverpool have approached Newcastle about Isak, the Tyneside club maintains that he is not for sale.
Ekitike enjoyed a prolific season with Frankfurt last year, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions. He joined the Bundesliga club permanently for €17.5 million in the summer of 2024 after a loan spell from PSG the previous season. His 15 Bundesliga goals tied him with former teammate Omar Marmoush, now at Manchester City, for top scorer at the club in the 2024-25 season.
Ekitike played a key role in Frankfurt's third-place Bundesliga finish, securing Champions League football for only the second time in the club's history and the first time through league placement.
In June, The Athletic reported that Manchester United also inquired about Ekitike's availability, while Chelsea showed interest before signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.
How Ekitike Fits Liverpool's Target Profile
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While Alexander Isak has been the dream signing for Liverpool fans this summer, Newcastle's firm stance has forced the club to explore other options. Hugo Ekitike appears to be their preferred alternative.
The need for a new striker became clear with Darwin Nunez's impending departure. Manager Jürgen Klopp experimented with various players in the number 9 role last season, with Luis Diaz eventually becoming the favored choice. However, the position proved challenging, with high demands and a lack of consistent goal-scoring.
Liverpool hope Ekitike can address this issue. The 23-year-old demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for Frankfurt last season.
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11:01 - 16.07.2025
Liverpool and Newcastle Battling to Sign Alexander Isak and French Striker
Liverpool and Newcastle are in a tense transfer standoff, with the Reds eyeing Alexander Isak while the Magpies chase Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike fits Liverpool's typical transfer profile: a player with first-team experience but still possessing significant potential for growth. While not as polished as Isak, he has many attributes that could be developed to make him an elite striker.
A tall, fast, and technically gifted player, Ekitike would provide a focal point in attack, allowing players like Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to flourish. He is a threat inside the box, boasts intelligent movement, and his athleticism and ball-carrying skills make him dangerous on the counter-attack.
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