Liverpool face £86.5m decision as striker race intensifies | OneFootball

Striker Chase Heats Up Across Europe

It’s shaping up to be a summer defined by strikers, and Liverpool are firmly in the thick of it. As reported by 90min, the Reds—alongside Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle—are monitoring Hugo Ekitike, the 22-year-old forward lighting up the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The problem? He’s no longer the affordable option many clubs had hoped for. Ekitike’s emergence as one of Europe’s most promising centre-forwards has prompted Frankfurt to slap a record-breaking price tag on him. According to Sport Bild, the German club are seeking €100 million (£86.5m)—a fee that would eclipse the €95m they received from Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani last year.

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Frankfurt’s Financial Strength Drives Price

Frankfurt aren’t in any rush. They’re not a club built on panic sales. The 2022 Europa League winners are on course for their best Bundesliga finish in three decades, and with Champions League qualification nearly in hand, they’re financially comfortable. That stability gives them the leverage to drive a hard bargain—and they’re doing exactly that.

For Liverpool, that’s a steep investment in a player with potential but not yet proven over multiple seasons in a top-five league. The Reds have been pragmatic in their recruitment strategy and may hesitate at that valuation, especially with other areas of the squad also needing reinforcement under Arne Slot.

Standout Performances and Growing Hype

Ekitike’s goal in Frankfurt’s recent 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League quarter-final first leg only added to his growing reputation. Four Premier League clubs sent scouts to watch him—and they won’t have left disappointed.

The Frenchman netted his 21st goal of the season last weekend against Heidenheim, continuing the kind of form that’s turned heads across Europe. Technically gifted and composed in the box, Ekitike is proving he can deliver against strong opposition.

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Liverpool’s Calculated Approach

For Liverpool, this isn’t just about chasing a shiny new signing. It’s about identifying the right fit at the right price. With an £86.5m valuation, Ekitike becomes a risk—a calculated one, perhaps, but a risk nonetheless.

And with Frankfurt’s recent sales of Omar Marmoush and Kolo Muani bringing in hefty fees, the German side have every reason to stand firm. As it stands, Liverpool and their rivals will need to decide just how far they’re willing to stretch to secure one of Europe’s rising stars.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index

Attacking Threat Shines Through

When analysing Hugo Ekitike’s performance data and stats, one thing is immediately clear—this is a forward with high-end attacking output. According to data from Fbref, visualised via FBCharts, Ekitike ranks in the 99th percentile for xG + xAG (expected goals and assists combined) among forwards, underlining his ability to both finish and create. His non-penalty xG (93rd percentile) and assist numbers (94th percentile) support the profile of a well-rounded attacker, not merely a poacher.

Ekitike is a consistent source of threat in the final third, with shot-creating actions (94th percentile) showing his involvement in build-up and end-product phases. His productivity is a key part of Frankfurt’s sharp edge in front of goal.

Possession Involvement Signals Modern Forward Profile

For a striker, Ekitike’s possession-based stats stand out. He ranks in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons, a sign of confidence and technical quality when carrying the ball. His progressive carries (92nd percentile) and progressive passes received (90th percentile) further point to a player capable of breaking lines and stretching defensive shapes.

Even his touches (85th percentile) and progressive passes (57th percentile) suggest a forward willing to drop deeper, link play, and be involved in more than just final-third moments. The data here paints a picture of a modern, mobile forward with versatility in his movement and use of space.

Defensive Contributions Surpass Expectations

Often overlooked in strikers, Ekitike’s defensive output is notable. He scores solidly in aerial duels (73rd percentile) and dribblers tackled (77th percentile), while his tackles and interceptions (75th percentile) are higher than many would expect from a forward. He offers pressing utility—a non-negotiable in modern top-flight systems.