Revealed: How Liverpool Won the Race to Sign Hugo Ekitike | OneFootball

Liverpool Win the Race for Hugo Ekitike: Inside the £79m Deal That Caught Europe’s Attention

Liverpool’s aggressive and tactically calculated summer recruitment drive continues to set the pace, with Hugo Ekitike’s high-profile move from Eintracht Frankfurt capturing both attention and imagination. As revealed in The Athletic’s deeply reported article, this deal was months in the making, the result of strategic groundwork, clever timing and Arne Slot’s decisive intervention.

This signing isn’t just a reactive move to bolster a title-winning side, it’s a statement of long-term intent. With Ekitike agreeing to a six-year deal, potentially worth up to £79 million, Liverpool have shown their confidence in the 23-year-old forward’s ability to lead the line for years to come.

Months of Preparation Pays Off

Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike stretches back to his breakout season with Reims in 2021–22, but their pursuit ramped up in January when initial contact was made with his representatives.

The Athletic reports: “It accelerated at the end of the season when Liverpool head coach Arne Slot outlined his vision to Ekitike over where he saw him fitting into his Premier League-winning squad.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s ability to sell the Liverpool project clearly made a lasting impact. The Dutch manager’s reputation and tactical clarity proved critical in convincing Ekitike to snub interest from Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United. While Newcastle were the first to table a bid, Liverpool’s long-standing relationship with the player and their decisive late action proved telling.

Slot’s Tactical Vision Was Pivotal

It wasn’t just data or past performances that shaped this move — although those played a role. According to The Athletic, Liverpool’s director of research Will Spearman and his team identified Ekitike’s metrics as elite-level for his age group. One insider even told the outlet that “only Erling Haaland and Mbappe have shown similar potential to Ekitike at a comparable age.”

But what really made the difference was Arne Slot’s direct involvement. After a Premier League-winning debut season, Slot outlined a clear vision for Ekitike’s role as a dynamic, multi-functional forward. This opportunity to be the focal point of an elite side was decisive.

As The Athletic explains: “In that chat, the Dutchman spelled out exactly where he saw Ekitike fitting in at Anfield: as a dynamic No 9 capable of bursting in behind, but also dropping deeper and linking play when needed.”

Frankfurt’s Reluctance and Ekitike’s Rise

Frankfurt didn’t want to sell. They had planned for Ekitike to stay and continue his development, particularly in his finishing and play against deep defences. But the player made it clear he wanted Anfield.

Liverpool made their first bid on July 16, which Frankfurt turned down. But when Ekitike’s camp indicated he only wanted Liverpool, it changed the landscape.

The final deal includes a base fee of £69 million and an additional £10 million in performance-based bonuses. This marks Liverpool’s second major attacking signing of the summer, following Florian Wirtz’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

A Reinvented Attack Takes Shape

Following the devastating loss of Diogo Jota in a tragic car accident earlier this summer, Liverpool had no choice but to reconfigure their forward line. Darwin Nunez’s difficulties adapting to Slot’s style and Luis Diaz’s inconsistency through the centre meant a central striker was vital.

Ekitike may not be the finished article, but he fits the mould Liverpool now seek — young, intelligent, tactically adaptable and with room to grow.

As The Athletic sums up: “Liverpool realise Ekitike is far from the finished product, but they believe that if he continues his rate of improvement, he could become one of the best strikers in the world.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This transfer absolutely screams of planning, patience and passion from Liverpool. As supporters, it’s thrilling to see the club operate with such clear intent. The ghosts of past windows, where we might have been beaten to targets, feel like ancient history now. In Hugo Ekitike, we’re not just signing talent — we’re signing belief.

Arne Slot is building something exciting. Winning the title in his first season was incredible, but what’s even more impressive is how we’re doubling down on youth and potential. This lad scored 22 goals in all competitions last season and still has levels to hit. Under Slot, in this system, he might just explode.

We all remember the Luis Diaz hijack from Spurs — this feels like that, but bigger. Outmanoeuvring Chelsea, United and Newcastle, and doing so without panic or leaks, is masterful. And to hear that the lad only wanted us? That’s music to the Kop’s ears.

What hits hardest is how Slot sold him the vision personally. This isn’t scattergun recruitment. It’s deliberate. Intelligent. Targeted. Wirtz and Ekitike are two of Europe’s brightest attacking prospects, and they’re both now Reds.

The future is here — and it wears red.