Report: Liverpool handed green light for £80m summer move as striker hunt heats up | OneFootball

Liverpool Assess £80m Hugo Ekitike Move as Striker Search Intensifies

Summer search leads to Frankfurt

Liverpool’s long-anticipated search for a reliable centre-forward has taken a firm step forward, with Football Insider reporting that Eintracht Frankfurt have given the club the “green light” to pursue Hugo Ekitike. The caveat? A considerable price tag of £80 million.

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For a club renowned for its calculated recruitment under the watchful eyes of Michael Edwards and now sporting director Richard Hughes, that figure represents a significant test of commitment — particularly in a summer window where numerous positions may require reinforcements.

Ekitike, once a PSG prospect, has rebuilt his stock in Germany and emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most dynamic young forwards. The 21-year-old’s blend of movement, athleticism and technical flair makes him an ideal candidate for Arne Slot’s high-intensity, forward-thinking style — a system currently let down by inconsistency in the final third.

Mixed returns from current forwards

The need for a reliable striker is as tactical as it is practical. Diogo Jota’s goal return remains respectable, but his persistent injuries have reduced him to just over one-third of Liverpool’s available Premier League minutes this season. As Football Insider states, “Jota has been solid when he’s played. It’s just that he struggles to actually get on the pitch.”

On the other hand, Darwin Nunez has been ever-present but erratic. “He’s got the opposite problem — you never know what he’s going to do when he’s out there,” the report notes. It’s a diplomatic way of highlighting a player whose flashes of brilliance have been offset by unreliable finishing and decision-making. The signs increasingly point to Liverpool being ready to cash in on the Uruguayan.

From Isak to Ekitike: a strategic pivot

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s original first-choice target, Alexander Isak, remains firmly in Newcastle United’s long-term plans. His valuation, reportedly “nearly double Liverpool’s transfer record”, has forced the Reds to reconsider the practicality of any potential deal. Enter Ekitike — a player once attainable at a modest fee but now valued at £80 million following a strong campaign in Frankfurt.

That price point, while steep, still represents a saving compared to Isak’s. According to Football Insider, “He’d be Liverpool’s record transfer if Frankfurt want that money guaranteed.” Yet the relative discount may prove tempting for Liverpool if they decide to go all-in on a striker with huge upside and fewer Premier League complications than most alternatives.

Ekitike’s readiness for the Premier League

Ekitike has shown flashes of elite potential during his time in Ligue 1 and now the Bundesliga. While he remains raw in some areas, the physical profile is undeniable: quick, rangy, with a knack for arriving in the right areas at the right moments. Frankfurt’s willingness to sell suggests this is less a matter of resistance and more one of negotiation. As Football Insider puts it, “If the Reds want him, he’s theirs — if they meet the asking price.”

Whether Liverpool are prepared to pay that fee will depend on Slot’s tactical vision, Hughes’ assessment of value, and how the rest of the market unfolds. But what’s clear is that Ekitike would not be a mere squad addition — he’d be expected to lead the line.

Our View – AnfieldIndex Analysis

For many Liverpool fans, the name Hugo Ekitike might not carry the glamour of an Isak or a Lautaro Martínez, but there’s reason to be optimistic. This is a player still only 21, already making a serious mark in one of Europe’s top leagues and showing traits that could thrive in a red shirt.

With Nunez likely heading for the exit and Jota unreliable in terms of availability, a marquee centre-forward is essential. If the club truly believe Ekitike has the potential to lead the line for years to come, then £80 million may prove to be a smart long-term investment — particularly when you consider that figure is still below what others in the market would command.

From a fan’s perspective, the deal ticks important boxes: youth, hunger, resale value, and technical quality. Whether it’s Ekitike or another target, the worst outcome would be a repeat of the 2023/24 window — shopping late or failing to act decisively.

Slot needs a striker he can trust, and the board must back him with urgency. Ekitike might not be the perfect player today, but he could become that with the right guidance. If there’s real belief in his ceiling, Liverpool would do well to move fast before others come circling.