Big spenders Liverpool push the boat out for Ekitiké

Instead of dwelling on Newcastle’s firm refusal to negotiate over Alexander Isak - for whom they were willing to splash out 140 million euros (nearly $152 million) for, Liverpool have forged ahead and are poised to sign a new striker: Hugo Ekitiké.

The French striker, who spent the past year in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, was also on Newcastle’s radar - regardless of what happens with Isak. But according to the latest reports, Ekitiké has agreed terms with Liverpool - a six-year contract which would keep him at Anfield until 2031. Journalist Fabrizio Romano detailed the operation: “The player only wants to go to Liverpool”.

Newcastle and United drop out of the race for Ekitiké

Such was the offensive launched by Liverpool’s technical department yesterday that Newcastle were forced to abandon negotiations. The same applied to Manchester United, who had also been tracking the 23-year-old, but whose offer was rejected outright. However, talks between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt are still ongoing after initial contact.

While Fabrizio Romano exclusively reported that “Liverpool have submitted an official offer,” which has been rejected, as Frankfurt have told the Premier League champions to up their bid, The Athletic reports: “The club’s offer to sign the 23-year-old striker is in excess of €80 million and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.”

If the move goes through, it would mark Liverpool’s umpteenth million-dollar summer signing, adding to those which have already been completed: Florian Wirtz ($148 million), Milos Kerkez ($51 million), and Jeremie Frimpong ($43.5 million). The plan is to build on the their 20th Premier League title rather than see it become a passing success by not strengthening the squad.

Magpies recruitment struggles

For Newcastle, it’s yet another setback to their summer recruitment program. The Magpies missed out on Dean Huijsen, who signed for Real Madrid; they also failed to secure the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, (who reached an agreement with United), and João Pedro, a target since 2022 and who shone for Chelsea at the recent Club World Cup.

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