Liverpool risk missing out on Striker as Chelsea move fast | OneFootball

Chelsea Chase Ekitike as Liverpool Focus Elsewhere

As the summer transfer window stirs into life, Chelsea’s intent on landing Hugo Ekitike sends a strong message across the Premier League. Empire Of The Kop report that the Blues are “pushing to finalise a move for Ekitike,” while Liverpool appear preoccupied with negotiations over another Bundesliga star, Florian Wirtz. Priorities are being drawn, but risks remain.

Ekitike’s Rising Stock

Hugo Ekitike’s numbers do the shouting. Twenty-two goals and twelve assists in 48 appearances across all competitions in 2024–25 make for convincing reading. It is no wonder Frankfurt are “understood to be demanding €100m [£84.3m]” for their prized No.11, who is under contract until 2029.

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The French forward is being eyed as a top-tier addition, with RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins noting, “Chelsea are still considering signing Hugo Ekitike this summer and negotiations ongoing with player’s camp.” This isn’t a casual enquiry. “A meeting took place between the two parties in recent days,” Hawkins added, confirming that “contact has therefore not been broken off, even though the deal has not progressed.”

Liverpool’s Calculated Patience

Arne Slot’s Reds, meanwhile, are choosing precision over panic. While links to Ekitike have been mooted, Liverpool’s focus remains on securing Florian Wirtz. As Empire Of The Kop point out, “Arne Slot’s men are giving priority to ongoing talks with Bayer Leverkusen.”

Wirtz’s generational talent rightly commands centre stage. But is this tunnel vision at the risk of losing out on another high-potential talent?

Time on Liverpool’s Side

“Liverpool have the advantage of time,” reads one line from the original piece. Indeed, with Chelsea reportedly scrambling before the June 10 provisional window closes, Liverpool’s broader strategy could bear fruit later. “This should grant us enough time to work out the specifics of a Liverpool move for Hugo Ekitike,” the report adds, suggesting Anfield could yet be in the frame.

Chelsea’s “need for a top striker borders on desperate,” which might weaken their hand. Their urgency could either accelerate a deal or see them overpay for a striker Liverpool may be happy to negotiate for more sensibly.

Transfer Window Timelines

The Club World Cup has skewed timings, with a provisional closure on June 10 at 7pm BST. The proper window reopens June 16 and runs until September 1. Liverpool’s famed restraint in the market could pay off again, but they will need to be quick if Chelsea make their move stick.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Tone: Concerned Liverpool Supporter

There’s a growing sense of unease among Liverpool fans reading this report. Yes, Wirtz is a phenomenal talent, but putting all our eggs in one basket has historically cost us in the market. Hugo Ekitike is the kind of player we’ve been crying out for — mobile, clinical, young, and already producing elite numbers.

Letting Chelsea walk in and sign him while we deliberate over future sales would be frustrating. We’ve seen this before — remember the Fekir saga? Or Tchouaméni? There’s admiration for how Slot and the recruitment team are building a long-term project, but the modern transfer market waits for no one.

The £84.3m asking price is steep, but not outrageous given the four-year contract and goal return. And if Chelsea are seriously pursuing him now, we risk getting caught flat-footed. The phrase “Liverpool have the advantage of time” only rings true if we actually use it.

This feels like one of those moments where decisive action could shape the season ahead. We missed out on Haaland and Mbappé in previous windows — surely the lesson has been learned?