Frankfurt set £86.5m price as top Premier League clubs circle | OneFootball

Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd Told to Pay Record Fee for Frankfurt’s Ekitike

Frankfurt Aim High Amid Summer Transfer Demand

In a transfer window already primed to be dominated by striker movement, Hugo Ekitike has emerged as one of the most talked-about names. According to a report from 90min, Eintracht Frankfurt are preparing to drive a hard bargain for their star forward, setting a €100m (£86.5m) valuation that would break the club’s transfer record.

Photo IMAGO

That record is currently held by Randal Kolo Muani, whose €95m switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 underlined Frankfurt’s willingness to sell—but only when the price is right. Now, with Champions League qualification nearly secured and Ekitike in prolific form, the Bundesliga club are under no pressure to sell unless their price is met.

Photo: IMAGO

Premier League Interest Intensifies

Four Premier League clubs—Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle—are said to have dispatched scouts to watch Ekitike recently. They saw him open the scoring with a composed finish in Frankfurt’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League quarter-final.

The French forward has netted 21 goals this season, his performances helping to underpin Frankfurt’s best domestic campaign in three decades. But his appeal stretches beyond just numbers. At 22, Ekitike possesses pace, movement, and an eye for goal—qualities in high demand as clubs across Europe search for long-term solutions at centre-forward.

Photo IMAGO

Affordability Question Marks Emerge

One of Ekitike’s original appeals was that he was seen as a more financially viable option compared to other elite strikers. However, Frankfurt’s stance has changed. Their strong financial position and track record of smart player sales give them leverage—and they intend to use it.

As 90min note: “If Frankfurt are even willing to lose their talisman this summer, they are hoping to extract €100m (£86.5m), according to Sport Bild.”

This represents a major shift from earlier expectations and puts Ekitike in the same bracket as some of Europe’s most expensive attackers.

Liverpool Among Those Weighing Up Options

Liverpool, who continue to assess long-term options to support or succeed their established forward line, will need to evaluate whether Ekitike offers the right profile—and value. With Arne Slot expected to be backed this summer, a move for the Frenchman would be ambitious, but it must be balanced against other priorities within the squad.

Frankfurt have made their intentions clear. If Ekitike is to leave, it will take a bid that sets new financial benchmarks—not just for the club, but potentially for the entire Bundesliga market.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index

Attacking Metrics Reflect Elite Output

At first glance, the data visualised by FBCharts, using Fbref metrics, paints a compelling picture of Hugo Ekitike. Among forwards, his percentile scores in key attacking areas are not just high—they’re exceptional. Sitting in the 99th percentile for xG + xAG, and 94th for expected assisted goals, Ekitike is evidently not just getting into goal-scoring positions but also creating chances for others.

His non-penalty xG (93rd) and assists (94th) confirm a broad and reliable contribution to forward play. In a market fixated on goals, Ekitike is delivering in both volume and variety.

Possession Involvement Shows a Complete Forward

Where Ekitike’s performance data and stats become even more interesting is in his possession play. A 97th percentile ranking for successful take-ons suggests a forward confident with the ball at his feet, capable of beating defenders in one-on-one situations.

He also ranks highly in progressive carries (92nd) and progressive passes received (90th), indicating smart movement off the ball and an ability to break lines with the ball at his feet. This is not a traditional target man—it’s a modern striker, shaped for systems that demand fluidity and verticality.

Defensive Contribution Adds Tactical Value

Rarely do centre-forwards contribute meaningfully to their team’s defensive phases, but Ekitike bucks that trend. His tackles + interceptions (75th percentile) and aerials won (73rd) suggest a player committed to pressing and competing physically.

In an era where every player is expected to contribute in all phases, Ekitike’s rounded profile is increasingly valuable.