Liverpool and Chelsea set for summer battle over Hugo Ekitike
As the summer transfer window approaches, Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly preparing to go head-to-head in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old French forward has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising attacking talents following a stellar season in the Bundesliga.
Ekitike’s 2024–25 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. Featuring in 48 games across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, he has scored an impressive 22 goals and provided 12 assists, firmly establishing himself as a key figure in the German club’s attack. His performances have caught the eye of top clubs across Europe, with Premier League outfits leading the chase for his signature.
According to reports, Liverpool are particularly keen on securing Ekitike’s services. New manager Arne Slot is believed to view the young striker as a top priority as he looks to put his stamp on the team following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. With Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak unlikely to be available due to the Magpies’ qualification for the Champions League, Ekitike has emerged as a strong alternative for the Merseyside club.
Transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that Liverpool’s interest is concrete, with Slot convinced that Ekitike’s pace, technical ability, and finishing instincts make him an ideal fit for the Reds’ high-intensity style. Slot’s vision for the new-look Liverpool squad reportedly includes a more versatile and dynamic forward line, and Ekitike’s skill set aligns perfectly with those ambitions.
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However, Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit. Chelsea, under the direction of their own new managerial setup, are also looking to strengthen their attack. With a young and evolving squad, the Blues see Ekitike as a long-term solution to their goal-scoring issues. The Stamford Bridge club has struggled for consistency in front of goal over the past two seasons, and signing a proven young striker with experience in top-flight European football could be the boost they need.
Ekitike also boasts a strong pedigree at the international youth level, having scored five goals in five appearances for France’s U21 team. His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €55 million—a fee that both Liverpool and Chelsea could be willing to meet, given his potential and current form.
The player’s next move could well depend on which club can offer him more consistent playing time and a clearer development pathway. While both teams can provide a platform on the biggest stage, Ekitike may consider where he will have the best opportunity to thrive and grow into a world-class striker.
As transfer talks begin to heat up, all eyes will be on Hugo Ekitike and which Premier League side will win the battle for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. With both Liverpool and Chelsea eager to strengthen ahead of the new season, Ekitike’s name will surely dominate headlines in the weeks to come.
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Do Liverpool need to sign Hugo Ekitike?
Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.
