Liverpool secures six-year contract with Hugo Ekitike as Newcastle withdraws from the race in the latest turn of events concerning Alexander Isak's transfer.
In the ongoing transfer saga, Liverpool has shown a preference for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike over Newcastle United's Alexander Isak. Here's a breakdown of the reasons behind this shift in focus.
Hugo Ekitike, who scored 15 goals and registered 8 assists in his 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, has a release clause of £86.5 million in his contract with Frankfurt. Liverpool is currently in negotiations to secure him for less than this amount, but the full clause may have to be met depending on Frankfurt's stance. Ekitike himself has expressed a strong desire to join Liverpool, and the club is close to finalizing a six-year contract with him.
On the other hand, Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak exists, but Newcastle is reluctant to sell him, with his likely transfer fee exceeding £120 million. Consequently, Liverpool has shifted its focus to alternatives like Ekitike. Newcastle has since looked into other targets, including Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester United are also chasing Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, and any move for Ekitike from Brentford may depend on whether United can land Mbeumo. If United manage to secure Mbeumo, Newcastle could turn their attention to Brentford's Yoane Wissa as a potential replacement for Ekitike.
It's worth noting that Liverpool may face a risk with Ekitike, given the history of Frankfurt selling strikers at a high price who have struggled at their next club. Examples of strikers who struggled after leaving Frankfurt include Luka Jovic, Sebastien Haller, Randall Kolo Muani, and Andre Silva. However, it seems that Manchester City's Omar Marmoush has broken the Frankfurt curse, although it is still early days at the Etihad.
Liverpool has not ruled out returning with an offer for Alexander Isak after signing Hugo Ekitike. The transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool is expected to cost more than £70 million, bringing Arne Slot's summer spending at Liverpool close to £300 million. Liverpool is also strongly linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi as a potential center-back signing, potentially setting up a competition between the two clubs for the England man.
In summary, Liverpool's pursuit of Ekitike over Isak is driven by Ekitike's desire to join Liverpool, the lower negotiated price compared to Isak's, and the potential risks associated with Frankfurt's history of selling high-priced strikers who struggle at their next club. The transfer saga is far from over, with many twists and turns still to come.
Liverpool's focus on signing Hugo Ekitike from European leagues, specifically Eintracht Frankfurt, in the premier-league transfer market is due to his lower negotiated price compared to Alexander Isak's, Ekitike's strong desire to join Liverpool, and the potential risks associated with Frankfurt's history of selling high-priced strikers who struggle at their next club. The transfer of Ekitike could cost Liverpool more than £70 million, adding to their summer spending in sports that is approaching £300 million.
