€100m Price Tag Pushes Liverpool Out of Striker Transfer Battle | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike Transfer Talk Cools as Price Tag Pushes Liverpool Away

With the summer window drawing closer and the rumour machine shifting into overdrive, Hugo Ekitike’s name has once again surfaced. But if you’re expecting Liverpool to enter a bidding war, think again. On the latest episode of the Daily Red podcast for Anfield Index, host Dave Davis laid it out with clinical certainty: Ekitike won’t be wearing red if Eintracht Frankfurt’s €100 million price tag holds.

No Interest at That Price

The French forward, currently on the books at Eintracht Frankfurt after a loan and eventual exit from PSG, has had his name linked with a host of top clubs across Europe. But for Liverpool, the reality is simple.

“If the fee for Hugo Ekitike is £88 million (€100m), I guarantee you there’s not a chance in hell Liverpool are in at that price,” said Davis.

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It wasn’t just an offhand remark either. Davis was crystal clear that this is not how Liverpool operate in the transfer market:

“Liverpool, as we know the way they operate, always set a top marker… I’d be surprised if it’s above anything like £60 million.”

The implication? If Frankfurt want to do business with the Reds, they’ll need to come down — way down.

Agent Activity Raises Flags

According to Davis, much of the Ekitike noise has been driven by the player’s representatives rather than by concrete club interest:

“His agent and his agency have been really driving the talk, leaking all and everything about Hugo to Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle.”

This heavy-handed push from the agent’s side appears to be in direct conflict with how Liverpool like to go about their business.

“Usually if Liverpool are doing it, it’s under wraps. The agent’s not shouting about it, they’re being told to keep it quiet.”

That disconnect is often enough to take a name off the shortlist.

Not Worth The Fee

Ekitike’s performances have been watched. Davis confirmed as much, saying:

“We’ve watched him enough… the two Spurs games, quite a few in their league.”

But watching isn’t buying — especially not at inflated prices:

“€100 million euros? Absolutely not a chance… Not even worth £60 million.”

He went on to suggest that clubs are “getting carried away a bit” with the valuation, possibly off the back of inflated markets and player potential rather than present output.

Liverpool’s Transfer Logic Remains Firm

While other clubs may be swayed by hype or agent-driven campaigns, Liverpool’s approach remains rooted in value and discretion. The club has a history of walking away from inflated deals — and it looks like Ekitike is next on that list.

Davis didn’t leave any ambiguity:

“He is not in the mix for the Reds as a number nine anymore.”

So, for those hoping to see Ekitike at Anfield next season, don’t hold your breath. Unless Frankfurt shift drastically on price, this is a door Liverpool will leave firmly shut.