New Hugo Ekitike transfer hint emerges as Liverpool could soon make move.
Frankfurt has announced the signing of a new striker, which could signal that the German club is preparing to offload Hugo Ekitike during the transfer window.
Ekitike has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from the Bundesliga club for several weeks, after a season in which he scored 22 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions. A number of Premier League sides have been linked with Ekitike, including Liverpool, with the Reds expected to enter the market for a new striker amid Darwin Nunez’s expected departure.
While the sporting consequences of Diogo Jota’s death are completely irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, the Portugal forward’s tragic passing coupled with Nunez leaving is set to leave Liverpool without a senior striker in its squad.
Frankfurt has hinted that it is planning for Ekitike’s departure with the acquisition of Jonathan Burkardt from Bundesliga rival Mainz.
Burkardt, 24, scored 19 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for Mainz last season, with 18 of those strikes coming in the league, making him the fourth-highest scorer behind Harry Kane, Patrik Schick and Serhou Guirassy.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs told Betway that Liverpool is among the clubs that are worth keeping an eye on with respect to a potential bid for Ekitike.
“Chelsea and Liverpool are the two in particular to watch,” he said. “Arsenal are still focused on seeing if they can get either Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko over the line.
“Manchester United simply don’t have the finances or the desire to do Hugo Ekitike at €100 million ($117 million) and probably not at €80 million ($94 million) or €85 million ($100 million) if the actual valuation diminishes.
“But Chelsea could add another attacker because Christopher Nkunku might depart.
“There’s some interest in Noni Madueke, and even though Nicholas Jackson won’t be forced out of the club, Chelsea could listen to offers at the right valuation.
“So, even with Joao Pedro arriving, they’re not ruling out adding another striker, and Ekitike is on their list as well.
“Amidst all of the noise, Liverpool are just keeping quiet as they always do and moving discreetly.
“They’re not getting sucked in now to any kind of offers or bidding war, and that’s partially because they’re still trying to understand if it’s worth having a punt at Alexander Isak.
“And once they get clarity on that in perhaps early or mid-July, they may have to move on to another target, and should they not get Isak, Liverpool are still the ones to watch for Hugo Ekitike, and my expectation is that they will be in the race for the Frankfurt striker if that asking price for €100 million drops.”