Liverpool have finalized a deal to sign Ekitike from Frankfurt, prompting the German club to back out of a separate midfield signing.
Frankfurt is said to have dropped their pursuit of a new central midfielder as Ekitike’s transfer to Liverpool nears completion. The Reds have agreed terms with the Bundesliga side for the forward’s move.
The agreement includes a guaranteed payment of $93 million (£69 million), with an additional $13 million (£10 million) in performance-based bonuses depending on results from both the club and the player.
Ekitike had an impressive campaign last season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions, including 15 in the Bundesliga, helping Frankfurt qualify for the Champions League.
Despite already having a strong attacking lineup, Liverpool is eager to further bolster its frontline this summer.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt appears to be struggling to close other deals. Journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Porto is now set to sign FC Copenhagen’s Victor Froholdt, even though Frankfurt had previously reached a verbal agreement for the 19-year-old midfielder.
The German club reportedly pulled out due to financial concerns, despite having agreed to a contract running until 2030. It’s unclear whether this decision has any direct impact on Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike.
Still, it serves as a reminder that transfers aren’t complete until the player is officially unveiled.
Once the paperwork is finalized, Ekitike is expected to fly out and join Liverpool’s squad on their Asia tour, which includes matches against AC Milan in Hong Kong and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.
Newcastle United had also shown interest in Ekitike, especially with uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak, who is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar and attracting attention from Saudi clubs.
Frankfurt rejected Newcastle’s $93 million (£69.4 million) offer, as it didn’t include any add-ons, and instead sought a package closer to $117 million (£86.7 million). The Magpies withdrew after Ekitike made it clear he preferred a move to Liverpool.
