Liverpool to seal ‘flamboyant Ekitike’ as Thierry Henry claim made – Exclusive
Liverpool are pushing ahead with their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Reds were chasing Alexander Isak and had submitted a massive £130million bid, Liverpool News understands.
However, it appears like Newcastle will not sell their star man, so the Anfield outfit have turned to their second-choice target.
Ekitike is one of the most promising talents in football, so it should be an exciting transfer.
Liverpool to seal deal for Henry-like Ekitike
Liverpool have now submitted an official bid for Ekitike, according to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
Iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that the 23-year-old is similar to Isak but also Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who was one of the best forwards the division has ever seen.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “I have seen him a fair bit, and he is not unlike Isak with a bit of Henry about him too.
“He is quick, athletic, scores with either foot, can join in play, a flamboyant character off the pitch.
“Hence the huge price, there is a shortage of elite level No 9s, so that pushes up price for the likes of Isak, Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres, but for a lot less you could go for Ollie Watkins, Yoane Wissa, Jean-Phillippe Mateta.”
Ekitike could be a star for Liverpool
Isak was the dream for Liverpool supporters, but it seems like there is no chance that the Magpies will allow their prized asset to depart.
The Reds have had to turn to their alternative, and Ekitike is a very smart move for the L4 outfit, as he is younger than Isak, profiles similarly to the Swedish star and is less injury prone.
The French striker notched 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga matches last season and looks to be on an upward curve.
The deal will cost around the £80m mark, and that would take Fenway Sports Group‘s spending to just under £250m this summer, a remarkable outlay after years of frugality in the market.
A potential front four of Florian Wirtz, Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai should give Arne Slot the best possible chance to retain the title after a brilliant first campaign in English football, and could also strengthen their Champions League chances.
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