Why is Hugo Ekitike a striker worth chasing? | OneFootball

Liverpool and Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on Hugo Ekitike as both clubs search for a new striker ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Premier League champions are casting a wide net in their hunt for a No.9 this summer, with Newcastle’s own Alexander Isak also under consideration. At this stage, though, no official bids have been submitted for any of their shortlisted targets.

Ekitike, now at Eintracht Frankfurt, is attracting plenty of interest after an eye-catching season in the Bundesliga, where he bagged 22 goals and helped the club secure a third-place finish. Newcastle have already had an offer knocked back by Frankfurt, who appear in no rush to sell.

Having failed to make a real impact at PSG in 2022/23, Ekitike has enjoyed a fresh start in Germany, establishing himself as one of the league’s standout young forwards. The 22-year-old has also hinted at a possible switch to Manchester United, having grown up as a fan of the Red Devils.

With transfer speculation continuing to swirl, it’s a good moment to take stock of Ekitike’s Bundesliga form and what he might bring to the Premier League.

Five key stats on Hugo Ekitike (Bundesliga; 2024/25)

- With 15 goals to his name in the German top flight, only five players (Kleindienst, Jonathan Burkardt, Guirassy, Schick and Harry Kane outscored the French forward last season in the Bundesliga.

- Ekitike proved a real handful from close range last term. He scored over half (8) of his 15 goals from inside the six yard box.

- The 22-year-old was also sensational on the break - no player netting more goals on counter-attacks in the Bundesliga last season than Ekitike (4).

- The former Stade de Reims academy kid can do more than score goals. He ranked 24th in the Bundesliga for key passes (44) and sixth for successful dribbles (52) last season.

- Ekitike under-performed against his expected goals by more than ANY player in the Bundesliga last term. He scored 15 goals, but - according to the xG model - he should have bagged 22.55!