Liverpool signing Ekitike set for new striker ‘showdown’ with Gyokeres after Arsenal update
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The forward has signed a six-year contract at Anfield after a deal worth up to £79million was agreed with the Bundesliga club.
Ekitike had been the subject of serious interest from Newcastle United, and Liverpool looked to tempt the Magpies into parting ways with Alexander Isak in order to push through a move for the Frenchman.
But, ultimately, Newcastle’s stance on Isak remained unchanged and the Reds moved for Ekitike – although they are yet to rule out a return for the Swede.
Liverpool and Arsenal bolster attacks
Liverpool’s closest competition for the Premier League title last season was from Arsenal, and the Gunners have also moved to strengthen their attack this summer.
After a lengthy negotiation, the North London club have agreed a deal with Sporting CP worth up to £63.4m for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker appeared to be the second-choice option to RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko for much of the summer, but with the Bundesliga side’s demands proving too costly, Arsenal have moved for Gyokeres.
| Viktor Gyokeres | Liga Portugal (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 39 |
| Assists | 8 |
The 27-year-old has enjoyed an unconventional journey to the Premier League, first signing for Brighton in 2019 before eventually joining Championship side Coventry City.
There, Gyokeres found his feet – scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in the 2022/23 season.
Premier League clubs attempted to sign the striker in the following summer but Gyokeres decided to move to Sporting CP, joining for £20.8m.
In the two years since, the Swede has exploded onto the world scene – scoring an absurd 97 goals in just 102 appearances for the Portuguese club.
Liverpool will be happy with Ekitike
Gyokeres and Ekitike are very different players, and Arsenal and Liverpool have spent big money signing them for different reasons.
Arsenal are desperate to win the Premier League, and they could not afford to wait for a striker who may need several years to reach their prime.
In Gyokeres, the Gunners have signed a player ready to make an impact now. He is the man who will, in Arsenal fans’ eyes, pull the whole thing together.
Ekitike does not carry the same weight of expectation. The striker is just 23 and is expected to add to Liverpool’s wealth of options in attack – not unite them.
The answer to the question – who has got the better deal? – will only arrive several years down the line.
But what is for sure, is that both clubs are, once again, set to compete for the Premier League title this season.
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