Ekitiké wants Liverpool switch - Newcastle no longer in contention

Hugo Ekitiké is closing in on a move to Liverpool after reaching a personal agreement with the Merseyside club.

According to sources close to the negotiations, the French striker has given the green light to join the Reds, while Liverpool and his current club Eintracht Frankfurt are now working to agree on a transfer fee.

The 23‑year‑old forward, who scored 22 goals for Frankfurt in the 2024/25 season, has made it clear that Liverpool is his preferred destination. Talks between the clubs are understood to be progressing, although no final deal has yet been signed.

Newcastle United on the other hand, who had long been linked with Ekitiké - and even came close to signing him in previous windows - have now dropped out of the race. The Magpies reportedly decided not to pursue the striker further after learning of his desire to join Liverpool.

Ekitiké would be another blockbuster-signing for the Reds, following the transfers of Florian Wirtz for €125 million, Milos Kerkez for €46.9 million and Jeremie Frimpong for €40 million.

While Newcastle's €80 million offer for the Frenchman wasn't quite enough for Frankfurt, "Kicker" suggests that Frankfurt may be open to some negotiation - a deal could be struck for somewhere between €90 million and €95 million.