OFFICIAL: Hugo Ekitike Joins Liverpool in Blockbuster €95 Million Deal from Eintracht Frankfurt
By Sports Desk | July 25, 2025
In one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer window, Liverpool Football Club has officially confirmed the signing of French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old forward has penned a six-year contract at Anfield, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2031.
According to official reports released by both clubs, Liverpool will pay a fixed fee of €80 million to the Bundesliga side, with an additional €10 million in easily attainable bonuses. A further €5 million in performance-related add-ons, considered more difficult to reach, round out a total potential package of €95 million. This makes Ekitike one of the most expensive signings in Liverpool’s storied history, just behind Darwin Núñez and Virgil van Dijk in terms of overall package.
A Statement Signing for Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike’s arrival is a powerful statement by Liverpool’s new sporting project under head coach Arne Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp after the legendary German tactician stepped down at the end of the 2024 season. With Slot keen on injecting youthful dynamism and technical prowess into his forward line, Ekitike ticks all the boxes: he is versatile, athletic, intelligent with his movement, and lethal in front of goal.
Liverpool’s pursuit of a new striker had been no secret. With Mohamed Salah entering the twilight of his career and Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota plagued by inconsistent form and fitness issues last season, the Reds were in the market for a forward who could lead the line with authority and grow into a world-class talent. After months of speculation, Ekitike emerged as the club’s prime target.
Ekitike’s Rise to Prominence
Born in Reims, France, in June 2002, Hugo Ekitike began his professional career with Stade de Reims, where he first caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs with his standout performances in Ligue 1 during the 2021/22 season. A short stint at Paris Saint-Germain on loan followed, but he struggled to cement a place in the star-studded Parisian side.
It was his €25 million move to Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 that truly revitalized his career. In his two seasons in the Bundesliga, Ekitike blossomed into one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards. In the 2024/25 campaign, he scored 19 goals and provided 8 assists across all competitions, helping Frankfurt finish 5th in the Bundesliga and reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
His blend of speed, flair, technical finesse, and a natural eye for goal made him the complete modern forward. European giants including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid were all reported to be interested, but Liverpool acted decisively to bring him to Merseyside.
Club Statements and Presentation
Liverpool FC released an official statement on their website this morning:
“Liverpool Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The French striker joins the Reds on a six-year deal, subject to international clearance. Ekitike will wear the number 9 shirt for the upcoming season.”
Ekitike himself expressed his excitement in his first interview as a Liverpool player:
“Joining a club of Liverpool’s magnitude is a dream come true. Anfield is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, and to play in front of those fans is something I’ve always imagined. I want to win trophies here, and I believe this is the right place to grow and compete with the best.”
Manager Arne Slot also shared his thoughts on the new addition:
“Hugo is a player we’ve monitored closely for a while. He brings a dynamic edge to our forward line and has the ability to play across multiple positions. At just 23, he’s already proven himself in a top European league and still has immense potential to grow. We are delighted to have him on board.”
Squad Implications and Tactical Fit
Ekitike is expected to slot directly into Liverpool’s attacking trident, likely competing with Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo for the central striker role. His flexibility to drift into wide positions or operate behind the main forward gives Slot various tactical options.
Known for his ability to press from the front, Ekitike suits Liverpool’s traditional high-intensity approach, which Slot is expected to preserve and evolve. His knack for running in behind defenses and linking up with creative midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister could form a devastating attacking triangle.
The deal also signals a generational transition in Liverpool’s forward department. With Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané having departed in recent years and Salah in the final year of his contract, Ekitike represents the new wave of attacking talent ready to lead Liverpool into a fresh era.
Financial Perspective
From a financial standpoint, Liverpool’s €80 million up-front investment reflects their growing willingness to compete with Europe’s top spenders. While the Reds were once praised for their meticulous budgeting and data-driven signings, recent years have shown a more aggressive approach under the leadership of CEO Billy Hogan and sporting director Richard Hughes.
The structured nature of the deal — with easy and difficult add-ons — offers financial flexibility while rewarding both club and player for performance. Frankfurt, for their part, made an impressive profit on a player they signed just two years ago, showcasing their effective scouting and player development model.
Reaction from Frankfurt and Around the Footballing World
Eintracht Frankfurt released a farewell message to Ekitike:
“We thank Hugo for his outstanding contributions during his time with Eintracht Frankfurt. He has been a model professional and played a crucial role in our European campaign. We wish him all the best for the future at Liverpool.”
The move has generated widespread reaction across social media, with fans and pundits alike debating the impact Ekitike could have at Anfield. Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tweeted:
“Ekitike is a top signing. Great profile, great potential. If he adapts quickly, he’ll be a star in the Premier League.”
French media also hailed the move, with L’Équipe calling it “a testament to the rise of French forwards in global football.”
What’s Next?
Ekitike is expected to join Liverpool’s pre-season training camp in the United States immediately. He could make his unofficial debut in the upcoming friendly against AS Roma in New York, before making his competitive debut in the Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield.
The pressure will be high, as fans expect an immediate impact from such a big-money signing. However, Liverpool’s track record with developing young talent, along with Ekitike’s work ethic and maturity, suggest he could thrive under the spotlight.
Transfer Summary: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool
- Transfer Fee: €80 million + €10 million (easy add-ons) + €5 million (performance add-ons)
- Total Package: €95 million
- Contract Length: 6 years (until June 2031)
- Previous Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
- Age: 23
- Nationality: France
- Shirt Number: 9
With Hugo Ekitike’s arrival, Liverpool’s ambitions for the 2025/26 season have become crystal clear: challenge for the Premier League title, compete fiercely in Europe, and usher in a new generation of footballing excellence. Only time will tell if the Frenchman will etch his name alongside Liverpool’s striking greats — but the journey has now begun.
