Liverpool to ‘hold talks’ to sign £86million striker | OneFootball

Liverpool Open to Talks Over £86m Ekitike Move Amid Striker Reshuffle

Ekitike Emerges as Key Target in Forward Line Revamp

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to open discussions over a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as part of a reshaped attacking line, according to sources cited by GiveMeSport. The 23-year-old French forward has caught the eye of manager Arne Slot and now finds himself under serious consideration as the Reds seek to refresh their frontline.

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Any move, however, appears contingent on Darwin Nunez leaving Anfield this summer. The Uruguayan’s potential exit is seen as a prerequisite before Liverpool sanction what would be another major financial outlay, following the club-record deal for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

While the tragic death of Diogo Jota has cast a shadow over pre-season preparations, Liverpool’s recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing. The club is determined to strengthen in Jota’s honour and push for further silverware after clinching the Premier League title last term.

Interest Grows as Ekitike Price Tag Firmly Set

According to GiveMeSport, intermediaries have already given Eintracht Frankfurt reason to believe Liverpool are ready to begin talks over a potential deal. Frankfurt remain insistent that their full £86 million asking price must be met, with no appetite to negotiate a lower figure unless the situation changes closer to the transfer deadline.

Competition for Ekitike’s signature remains strong. Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United have shown interest, while Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah have also tested the waters from Saudi Arabia. Despite this, Liverpool are considered the most credible suitors at present.

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One source quoted in the report described Ekitike as “elite” in terms of end-product and versatility, both of which are attributes Arne Slot values highly. His impact in the Bundesliga last season has only strengthened the case for a high-profile move.

No Discount as Frankfurt Stand Firm

Liverpool will need to move decisively if they wish to add Ekitike to their ranks. Eintracht Frankfurt are adamant that they will not entertain a cut-price exit. The striker is under contract until 2029 and earns more than £80,000 a week including bonuses, putting the Bundesliga side in a strong negotiating position.

Despite Liverpool’s known interest, the club’s recruitment team face financial balancing acts. With major signings such as Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Armin Pecsi already secured, the need to raise funds through sales is now critical. Nunez appears the most likely casualty, allowing both space and budget to pursue Ekitike.

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GMS sources suggest that Frankfurt are convinced Liverpool or another major club will eventually meet their demands. There is hope on the German side that progress will be made before the closing stages of the transfer window.

Pressure to Deliver in Honour of Jota

Jota’s tragic death at just 28 years old has left a gaping hole in both the dressing room and the hearts of supporters. The emotional impact of his passing is fuelling Liverpool’s motivation ahead of the new campaign, and any new arrival in the forward line will face the challenge of stepping into that emotional void.

Slot’s Liverpool have begun to take shape with a more methodical recruitment process, but the addition of another high-profile attacker is viewed internally as essential. Ekitike fits the desired profile, but much depends on how Liverpool choose to proceed with current squad members.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This latest transfer link feels more like a recycled rumour than a concrete plan. £86 million for a player who’s had one standout Bundesliga season? It raises eyebrows. There’s no doubting Ekitike’s potential, but committing that kind of money when other parts of the squad still require attention might not sit well with everyone.

What’s more concerning is the reliance on Darwin Nunez leaving first. While the Uruguayan has had his ups and downs, he remains a physically dominant presence with room to grow under a new manager. Offloading him just to gamble on another developing forward feels like an unnecessary risk.

There’s also the sentiment around timing. With the squad still mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, fans may question whether pushing through such a high-profile signing in that context is the right call. Is this about honouring his legacy or papering over a wider issue in the forward line?

Then there’s the glaring financial angle. After splashing out on Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong and others, another £86 million deal will only stoke debate about the club’s priorities. Defenders and midfield options could arguably be strengthened further before luxury buys in attack are considered.

Yes, Ekitike is talented. Yes, Slot has a vision. But for some fans, this looks more like a club testing its luck in the market again rather than building strategically. For £86 million, you’d want guarantees. Ekitike might offer promise, but whether he delivers immediately in a post-title defence season remains the big question.