Liverpool Sign Ekitike in £79m Striker Deal

Liverpool have officially signed French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million, including £10 million in add-ons, making him their second-most expensive signing after Florian Wirtz. Ekitike, 23, had a standout 2024/25 season with 22 goals and 12 assists, helping Frankfurt secure third place in the Bundesliga and Champions League qualification. Liverpool outbid Newcastle United and Manchester United for his signature, with manager Arne Slot playing a decisive role in recruiting him. Ekitike's arrival is part of a nearly £300 million summer overhaul and could lead to the departure of current forward Darwin Núñez, while Luis Diaz is drawing interest from Bayern Munich. The striker will join Liverpool's pre-season Asia tour and is expected to strengthen their title defense, which begins against Bournemouth on August 15. The club remains focused on bringing in a new centre-back before the transfer window closes.