Hugo Ekitike update changes EVERYTHING for Liverpool

Liverpool are in the market for Hugo Ekitike and the latest update could change everything. A major test for Richard Hughes.

Anfield Watch exclusively revealed recently that there had been initial talks between Liverpool and representatives of Hugo Ekitike. The Reds are absolutely in the mix for the Eintracht Frankfurt forward.

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Ekitike is one of the most promising forwards in Europe right now, after all. He's still only 22 but looks near-enough complete - exactly what Liverpool are looking for right now.

They're looking to overhaul their attacking options, after all. Anfield Watch understands that's one of the main goals this summer as Liverpool attempt to give Arne Slot a squad built for him and his style of play.

They didn't really give him that last summer. Federico Chiesa was the only addition - a player Slot has barely used. Other than that, this is Jurgen Klopp's squad.

This season was supposed to be a bit of a transitional one, seeing who works under Slot and then planning changes. Of course, that transitional season looks set to also deliver the Premier League title.

Liverpool, then, will get to build Slot's first real squad on the back of success and you can't ask for more than that. It also means the Reds will want to take advantage when signing a new no.9 this summer - only the best will do.

Is Ekitike that?

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Hugo Ekitike update

Liverpool's primary target this summer doesn't appear to be Ekitike. Instead, it's Alexander Isak after another sensational season with Newcastle United.

The problem with that one is that Newcastle's asking price is enormous - near £150m. That gave Liverpool every single reason to push for Ekitike as an alternative.

Frankfurt, after all, wanted a fraction of Isak's asking price. Ekitike was touted as a £60m transfer, something well in reach for Liverpool.

But that's apparently not the case anymore. Bild reports that Frankfurt are now wanting at least £70m and it's a price that could continue to rise.

There are good reasons for that, too. There's plenty of interest in Ekitike, pushing the price right up.

Frankfurt also recognise that he's seen as the alternative to Isak. He's also a good few years younger than the Swede - put the two together and Newcastle's price should be a reflection of Ekitike's.

Bild claim that Frankfurt internally believe Ekitike could be their first €100m transfer. It's not a good sign for Liverpool - and we wonder if it pushes them back towards Isak.

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That's far from an easy deal but as the two prices get closer, the Newcastle star becomes a far more palatable option. We'll see how things develop but Frankfurt's stance really could change everything.