Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool deal given green light by Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt have developed a startling reputation as a striker factory in recent seasons.

Not only have the likes of Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller, Randal Kolo Muani and Omar Marmoush scored plenty of goals for the Bundesliga side, but they’ve also banked the club ENORMOUS transfer fees when they’ve been sold on.

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Hugo Ekitike appears to be the next name on the list with the 22-year-old attracting attention from across the continent. Liverpool are known to be keen on adding the Frenchman to the ranks and have even instigated talks with the player’s entourage.

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Frankfurt are expecting around €100 million for their latest striking sensation and it remains to be seen if he commands a fee that high in the upcoming transfer window.

Nonetheless plans are afoot to REPLACE Ekitike at the Waldstadion in the event that he is sold. Last week it was revealed that Fabio Silva - a Wolves striker on loan at Las Palmas - was of interest to the German side.

Frankfurt lining up Ekitike replacement

And now comes the news that Frankfurt are frontrunners for Mainz forward Jonathan Burkardt.

The 24-year-old Germany international has scored 15 goals for his club this season and developed a reputation as a hard-working player with a multitude of finishes.

The Mainz captain also appears to have put his significant injury trouble over the past couple of seasons behind him.

According to Christian Falk, he is preparing for the next phase of his career with Frankfurt edging ahead of Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals in the chase for his signature.

Should Liverpool cut out the middleman for Burkardt?

“Jonathan Burkardt: Frankfurt is currently the favourite for a transfer, while Bayern are still hesitating,” he wrote in his Daily Briefing.

Intriguingly, Liverpool have been credited with interest in Burkardt, who is rated as similar to Alexander Isak and Marcus Thuram according to FBREF.

“Burkardt wants to take the next step in his career, and that could be the Premier League,” Falk continues.

“Manchester United are rumoured to be one of the clubs from England interested in him, along with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Brighton – they are all said to have scouted Burkardt.”

If Frankfurt are lining up a new starting striker then it means that Ekitike is likely on his way.

But it does open up the possibility of Liverpool cutting out the middleman. Frankfurt have a reputation for selling strikers for sky-high fees. Liverpool have clearly done their homework on Burkardt.

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Only under contract until 2027, the Reds could probably get themselves a significant discount compared to what Frankfurt are asking for Ekitike.