Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as the summer transfer window approaches, but they’ll have to contend with serious interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea. The 22-year-old French forward has been turning heads with his stellar performances in the Bundesliga, having racked up an impressive 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season. His consistent output has quickly elevated his profile, drawing attention from top clubs across Europe.
According to a report from *Sky Sports*, Liverpool have already begun laying the groundwork for a potential deal. Both new head coach Arne Slot and returning football executive Michael Edwards are said to be keen admirers of Ekitike’s talent and believe he could be a valuable addition to their attacking unit. While no official bid has been submitted yet, preliminary contact has reportedly been made between Liverpool and the player’s representatives. The Merseyside club is said to be approaching the situation with a calculated strategy, as they look to add a more dependable goal-scoring presence to their front line—possibly to replace or complement current striker Darwin Nunez, whose finishing has sometimes come under scrutiny.
Ekitike is currently tied to a contract that features a release clause set at €100 million. However, it is widely expected that Frankfurt would be open to negotiating a lower fee, considering the striker is still relatively untested at the very highest level of European football. Liverpool are unlikely to meet the full buyout amount and will instead try to reach a deal that reflects his potential while acknowledging his current experience.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on the situation. The London-based club are looking to reinforce their attacking options after a season marked by inconsistency from key forwards, including Nicolas Jackson. Ekitike’s combination of pace, technical skill, and finishing ability make him an attractive prospect for the Blues, who are hoping to find a reliable solution to their goal-scoring problems.
The battle for Ekitike’s signature is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing transfer sagas of the upcoming summer window. Both Liverpool and Chelsea can offer the young forward a high level of competition, exposure to European football, and a chance to develop under ambitious managerial projects. As things stand, the race for the French striker is wide open, and his next move could have a significant impact on both clubs’ attacking fortunes next season.
