Liverpool is close to finalizing a transfer for Hugo Ekitike after reaching an agreement worth up to £79 million ($106 million) with Eintracht Frankfurt, sources informed ESPN.
The agreement includes an upfront payment of £69 million ($92.7 million) along with £10 million ($13.4 million) in possible bonuses.
Ekitike has accepted the terms of a six-year contract. A source mentioned to ESPN that he has received approval to travel to the UK to finalize the deal and is expected to arrive for a medical examination on Tuesday.
There are hopes that he will be able to join Liverpool for their preseason tour in Asia, which kicks off with a match against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Sources told ESPN that Ekitike has always been interested in joining Liverpool, even though he was also linked with Newcastle United and Manchester United.
ESPN reported that last week, Newcastle had a £64.5 million ($86.3 million) offer turned down by Frankfurt. They also said no to Liverpool’s attempt to sign their star striker, Alexander Isak.
Ekitike has already had a conversation with Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who explained his plans for him as a No. 9 player on the team.
The decision follows his impressive performance of 15 goals in 33 matches for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga last season.
Ekitike came to Frankfurt in February 2024 from Paris Saint-Germain, who will receive 20% (£13.8m) of his transfer fee this summer.
Although he hasn’t played for France’s national team yet, a source told ESPN that he thinks joining Liverpool and competing in the Premier League could help him get a spot on the team before next summer’s 2026 World Cup.
