Liverpool are ramping up their interest in Hugo Ekitike and will be sending scouts to monitor the Eintracht Frankfurt striker during his side’s crucial Bundesliga clash against SC Freiburg this Saturday, according to Give Me Sport. With Arne Slot seeking to reinforce his attack despite clinching the Premier League title, Ekitike has emerged as a key target for the Reds.
Slot has already greenlit the pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and Liverpool are now intensifying efforts to assess Ekitike as they aim to bolster their forward line ahead of next season’s title defence. The 22-year-old Frenchman has been in scintillating form for Eintracht Frankfurt, notching up 33 goal involvements in all competitions and playing a pivotal role in his team’s push for Champions League qualification.
Despite Ekitike’s impressive form, Liverpool remain cautious about his £84 million valuation. Sources suggest the Reds have concerns over whether the prolific forward is worth such a steep price, particularly with his contract running until 2028 and earning him close to £82,000 per week with bonuses.
Nevertheless, Liverpool will use the final Bundesliga fixture to further evaluate Hugo Ekitike, who has been described as ‘incredible’ by teammate Rasmus Kristensen. With Trent Alexander-Arnold poised to leave on a free transfer, the Reds are keen to make a statement signing, and Ekitike’s attacking versatility could provide Slot with another lethal weapon in the final third.
The Frenchman joined Eintracht Frankfurt initially on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2024 before the Bundesliga club activated a £14 million option to buy. However, with Premier League interest mounting, it appears increasingly likely that he could be on the move again this summer.
Liverpool are not the only English club sending scouts to Germany this weekend. Chelsea and Newcastle United are also expected to have representatives in the stands, keen to monitor Hugo Ekitike’s performance against Freiburg.
Chelsea, under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, are actively seeking attacking reinforcements after a dismal campaign. With Nicolas Jackson yet to find consistency, Ekitike is viewed as a potential marquee signing who can provide goals and physical presence in the box.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who are pushing for Champions League qualification, are also eyeing Ekitike as they look to add firepower to their frontline. The Magpies see the French forward as a potential fit in Eddie Howe’s dynamic attack, offering both a physical and aerial threat to complement their current options.
Hugo Ekitike’s situation presents an intriguing opportunity for Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United. Despite his £84 million valuation, his impressive performances in the Bundesliga indicate he has the potential to excel in the Premier League. However, Liverpool’s interest may hinge on whether they can negotiate a lower fee or structure a deal that mitigates financial risk.
For Chelsea, acquiring a player of Ekitike’s profile would inject much-needed cutting edge in the final third, particularly if they lose Romelu Lukaku permanently. Newcastle, too, could use his athleticism and goal-scoring instincts to bolster their attacking ranks, especially with Champions League football potentially on the horizon.
Ultimately, the outcome of this weekend’s clash could be pivotal in determining Ekitike’s future, as scouts from all three clubs prepare to make their final assessments. If he impresses, the summer bidding war could become a fierce contest, with each club aiming to secure the services of one of Europe’s emerging goal-scoring talents.
