Liverpool could potentially bring in three new players from the German Bundesliga this summer.
Arne Slot is keen to bolster his squad across key positions but the Dutch coach is determined to retain the fluidity and quality in his Premier League title-winning side.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold closing in on his expected move to Real Madrid, Slot has already sourced a new right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong on the verge of joining from Bayer Leverkusen.
A deal for Frimpong is reportedly close, and Liverpool are working on transfer agreement for his clubmate Florian Wirtz, which could include a club record transfer fee.
However, those deals may not be Slot's final foray into the Bundesliga market this summer, as he aims to bring in a new specialist striker.
Mohamed Salah's contract extension has maintained a crucial part of Slot's attack, but Darwin Nunez reportedly nearing an exit, and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike has been lined up as an option.
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Huge Ekitike Frankfurt contract, transfer value, stats
French striker Ekitike has been revived at Frankfurt after joining on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
The 22-year-old impressed sufficiently on loan from PSG in the second half of 2023/24 for Frankfurt to activate their purchase clause on him.
Ekitike has backed that faith up with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with the Reims-born forward taking on the mantle of Omar Marmoush, following his move to Manchester City at the start of 2025.
However, with his current contract running until June 2029, Frankfurt are in a reinforced negotiating position as Liverpool prepare an offer.
As per reports from Teamtalk.com. Frankfurt have indicated two key demands, with Chelsea also monitoring his situation following their UEFA Champions League qualification.
The report claims Liverpool are prepared to 'pay what it takes' to bring in Ekitike with Frankfurt setting a firm asking price of £84m [$112m].
Liverpool have been quoted around £100m [$135m] upfront from Leverkusen for Wirtz with a further £25m [$34m] in performance-related add-ons.
A move for Wirtz and Ekitike will require major squads sales with Slot aiming to raise over £100m [$135m] by offloading Nunez, Caoimhin Kelleher, and potentially Harvey Elliott.
The second hurdle Liverpool will need to overcome relates to Ekitike's likely wage demands, with his current deal set at around £80,000 [$108,000] a week, and he could push for a 50% increase.
Liverpool news and related links
- Liverpool transfer target sets 'start of June' deadline over future decision
- Liverpool legend makes shock claim over Arne Slot's plan for Jeremie Frimpong
- Liverpool and Tottenham 'make contact' to sign French winger this summer