Liverpool Ahead Of Chelsea In The Race For 22-Year-Old French Striker: Will The Reds Be Able To Sign Him? | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike has found himself in the spotlight in Germany after a revival at Eintracht Frankfurt. After a dull spell at PSG, the French striker has found pace and confidence in the Bundesliga, which has attracted the attention of several European clubs. Among them, are two Premier League heavyweights: Liverpool and Chelsea.

Both are looking to strengthen their attacking midfield and have set their sights on the 22-year-old. While Chelsea are trying to fill the gaps in their current squad, Liverpool are looking to make major adjustments under Arne Slot. According to reports, the Reds have the upper hand.

Liverpool Ahead Of Chelsea To Sign Hugo Ekitike

According to journalist Simon Phillips on his Substack channel, Liverpool are ahead of Chelsea in the bidding for Hugo Ekitike. The French striker has scored 22 goals and shared 12 assists in 48 appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the most productive emerging names in European football.

Liverpool, faced with the possible departure of Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota, consider him as a strategic reinforcement. Arne Slot is looking for players that offer consistency and quality. Although no deal has yet been finalised, the Reds have stepped up their interest and could make a strong bid for him in the coming weeks.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – APRIL 17: Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Tottenham Hotspur at Deutsche Bank Park on April 17, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Realistically, Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike makes more sense than Chelsea‘s interest. While the Londoners are still experimenting with promising youngsters like Marc Guiu and relying on the inconsistent Nicolas Jackson, the Reds are in a clearer transition. Arne Slot needs a young reference, with immediate impact, but who does not condition the style.

Ekitike fits because he is not only a striker: he knows how to move, draw defenders, and excels in link-up play. His physique is deceptive; he has technical details reminiscent of the best converted wingers. Although Sneijder exaggerated when he compared him to Neymar and Mbappé, there is something about his game that is unsettling.

Will the Reds get him?

Will Liverpool get him? If they decide to bet big, yes. The player could prioritise a serious project where he has constant minutes and a coach that allows him to grow. Slot needs new figures with hunger and Ekitike offers just that.

The key will be in the management of the dressing room. If Núñez or Jota leave, the gap will be obvious. But even if they stay, the Frenchman can live with them. From another angle, this potential signing is not only sporting. It represents Slot’s first big gamble at Anfield for the next season. And that, in itself, already gives it a special symbolic charge.