Ekitike is thinking of a preferred transfer.
As both Liverpool and Newcastle continue to compete for one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, Hugo Ekitike is said to have decided who he would prefer to join this summer.
He is currently perhaps the most sought-after forward in world football.
After helping Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League with 22 goals and 13 assists in 2024–2025, Ekitike, 23, is being pursued by a number of clubs throughout Europe.
Florian Plettenberg of Sky reported that Manchester United entered the competition to recruit Ekitike in May and is still keeping a close eye on the situation.
In the meantime, Liverpool has contacted Eintracht Frankfurt once more in the last 48 hours to express interest. Although Alexander Isak seems to be their top goal, Ekitike is rumored to be next in line if they are unable to get the Swede.
Conversely, Newcastle is committed on signing Ekitike and keeping Isak. Frankfurt, who value Ekitike at £85 million, actually rejected a club-record £70 million offer from the Magpies earlier this week.
Ekitike ‘prefers’ to join Liverpool this summer, according to journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft, amid the current transfer saga.
Fjortoft discussed the situation in an interview with ESPN FC’s YouTube channel.
“I have heard that Ekitike is not for sale, but we are aware of Eintracht Frankfurt’s strategy,” he started. “They sold Marmoush to Manchester City for €80 million, and they signed Muani to PSG for €95+5 million.” Ekitike’s current price tag is €100 million.
“In the Liverpool vs. Newcastle match, he is playing the joker. Liverpool may pursue Ekitike if they are unable to acquire Isak.
“I am aware that the player would rather play for Liverpool. However, he is at ease because he knows he can play in the Champions League with Eintracht Frankfurt, and for the first time in a very long time, Eintracht Frankfurt does not need to sell because they have already done so with the sales of Marmoush and Muani and Champions League qualification.”
“But I can tell you, Ekitike prefers Liverpool Football Club,” Fjortoft continued.
The most recent information on Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool clarifies their position Liverpool is prepared to beat Newcastle to the punch and go all out for Ekitike.
Although Sky’s Florian Plettenberg released an intriguing update on Wednesday night, implying that Liverpool is willing to pay more than Newcastle had paid for Ekitike, the Reds have not yet made a formal proposal.
Liverpool is ‘advancing today’ in club-to-club negotiations with Eintracht for Ekitike, according to an update given by Fabrizio Romano on Thursday morning.
He continued: “While Isak deal depends on final decision by Newcastle as they insist on not-for-sale stance, Liverpool also progressing on both club and player side for Ekitike.”
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