Liverpool will compete with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United to sign 22-year-old French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Hugo Ekitike is the subject of interest from Liverpool. Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are also keen on signing the Eintracht Frankfurt striker in the summer transfer window. However, the Reds lead the battle, although the Bundesliga club’s asking price of €100 million poses a problem for his suitors.

The rapid rise of Hugo Ekitike in Germany

Hugo Ekitike has resurrected his stuttering career and established himself as one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga since joining Eintracht Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain last year. The Frenchman initially joined Die Adler on loan in February 2024 before completing a permanent move in the subsequent summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season, contributing to 34 goals in 48 outings in all competitions by finding the back of the net 22 times and providing 12 assists. Ekitike’s exploits have alerted several Premier League bigwigs, with Eintracht Frankfurt demanding €100 million to part ways with him. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are vying for the French striker’s signature.

A man in demand

Chelsea signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town earlier this month, but they are not done with their spending. The Blues are keen on signing another striker in the summer transfer window, with Ekitike emerging as a target. As for Liverpool, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota face an uncertain future at Anfield after a dreadful 2024/25 campaign.

So, the Reds are scouring the market for a striker, with Hugo Ekitike emerging as a viable target. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in the Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward makes sense. The Red Devils are eager to find an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the market.

So, Ekitike is an option worth considering for Manchester United. As for Newcastle United, Callum Wilson’s impending departure has compelled the Tyneside outfit to comb the market for a striker. However, while the Frenchman is a viable target for Newcastle United, the Magpies and the other Premier League clubs do not want to pay €100 million to secure his services.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old French striker’s representatives have told his suitors that the youngster will be available for less than €100 million. However, with Liverpool in pole position to sign Ekitike, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for him.