Liverpool have made a bold move, securing French striker Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee reported to be between £69 million and £82 million (€90-95 million).
The signing marks one of the first big personnel decisions made by the new manager, Arne Slot, and indicates a big shift in the club’s attacking options.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, here we go!
Deal in place for fee over €90m for the French striker to join from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially reaching €95m.
Six year deal for Ekitike, valid until June 2031; he only wanted Liverpool move.
New striker for Slot 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/iRbjZGz4Ob
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025
Following the tragic death of Diogo Jota and amid the uncertainty surrounding Darwin Núñez’s future, there was immense pressure to acquire a quality forward.
The selection of Ekitiké, a player with only one impressive season in a top European league, over more established targets has sparked intense debate. Is this a visionary move in recruitment, or is it an expensive gamble? This analysis examines the complex decision, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.
The Power of Potential: Why Liverpool Said Yes
On paper, Hugo Ekitiké appears to be the prototype of a modern, versatile attacker. Standing at 1.90 meters tall (6’3″), he possesses a unique combination of physical and technical skills.
Scouts have noted his impressive pace, intelligent movement, and strong aerial game. The French attacker can play not only as a central striker but also drift into wide channels, making him a perfect fit for the fluid, high-intensity system that Arne Slot is expected to implement.
In theory, he is the “complete center-forward,” capable of leading a high press, making runs behind defenses, and linking up play effectively.
There’s a reason clubs want to sign Hugo Ekitiké this summer 😮💨👏🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/CpPzAeiFcK
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 15, 2025
His breakout season in 2024/25 at Eintracht Frankfurt shows his impressive potential. In 33 Bundesliga matches, Ekitiké scored 15 goals and provided eight assists.
Across all competitions, his total increased to 22 goals and 12 assists, earning him a well-deserved place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. The statistics back up what’s visible on the field: he ranked highly in shots per game, shot-creating actions, and progressive carries. This indicates that he’s not only an effective finisher but also a key attacking contributor.
Financial Calculation
The financial commitment is significant, but when put into context, it reflects a strategic decision.
While a figure nearing £80 million is substantial, it’s still considerably lower than the valuation of a player like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who was reportedly priced at nearly double that amount.
🚨🛫 Hugo #Ekitike has been given the green light to travel to Liverpool today for his medical.
Eintracht are receiving €90 million guaranteed plus €5 million in potential add-ons. Contract until 2031. #LFC
A full agreement between the clubs was reached yesterday, as… pic.twitter.com/F9RFzsppKD
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 21, 2025
In Hugo, Liverpool are acquiring a player who is four years younger than Isak, relying on their coaching staff to develop his talent over a six-year contract. The club believe they can refine his finishing skills, which have occasionally drawn criticism for “snatching at chances,” to unlock his potential as an elite attacker.
Questions Over Top-Tier Readiness
The main concern surrounding the French forward is his limited experience. His outstanding season at Eintracht Frankfurt sharply contrasts with his previous time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he struggled to secure consistent playing time and failed to score in 19 appearances.
History serves as a warning regarding strikers who transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt for huge fees.
Players like Luka Jović, Sébastien Haller, and Randal Kolo Muani all struggled to replicate their Bundesliga success after making high-profile moves. There is a fear that Liverpool might be making the same mistake.
Hugo Ekitike is set to sign for Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to $104M, per multiple reports 🔴 pic.twitter.com/4zv2ypFQlV
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 20, 2025
Beyond historical precedent, there are specific concerns about Hugo’s game. He has no experience in the Champions League, the main European club competition. His physicality has been questioned. His duel success rate in Germany was only average, and a history of muscle-related injuries raises concerns about his ability to withstand the demands of a 50-game season in England.
Perhaps most worrying is the question of his consistency. French legend Thierry Henry noted Ekitiké’s frustrating duality: “One minute he looks amazing and the next minute he does not do the basics very well.”
Paying the “Frankfurt Tax“
Finally, there is the matter of the transfer fee itself.
At 23 years old and with limited top-flight experience, a price tag of €85-100 million is viewed by many analysts as significantly above fair market value.
This phenomenon has been referred to as the “Frankfurt Tax,” which represents the extra fee that the German club demands. Liverpool’s interest in the more established Alexander Isak indicates that he was their main target. However, they chose to go for the less certain French attacker, despite a price that remains overly high.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s acquisition of Hugo Ekitiké is one of the most intriguing transfers of the summer window. It highlights the contrast between proven performance and potential future success.
Hugo Ekitike – 2024/2025@hekitike9 pic.twitter.com/m65PWpC9z1
— Ous (@fukxumean) July 18, 2025
The club have made a great investment in a player who has all the raw talent to become a dominant force. However, the risks are also significant. The transfer fee puts immediate pressure on a young player with a history of inconsistency.
The Reds are betting on their own system and renowned player development program to sand down Ekitiké’s rough edges.
If they succeed, they’ll have secured a generational talent. If they fail, it’ll be a costly mistake that emphasizes the risk of prioritizing potential over proven qualities. The verdict will only be delivered on the pitch.
