Liverpool reach agreement to sign French striker for €20m more than Napoli requested for Osimhen

Liverpool have made a major statement in the transfer market, reaching an agreement to sign French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to €95 million.

The 23-year-old has already agreed personal terms and is expected to sign a six-year deal that would keep him at Anfield until 2031.

According to David Ornstein, the €95m fee includes performance-based add-ons and would become a record-breaking sale for Eintracht Frankfurt if all clauses are triggered.

It surpasses the €90m that Paris Saint-Germain paid for Randal Kolo Muani last summer. The move is also a show of financial might by Liverpool, especially considering that Napoli had been open to selling Victor Osimhen for around €75m earlier in the window.

The Reds instead opted for the younger, versatile Ekitiké, who brings pace, flair, and untapped potential to Arne Slot’s attacking options.

Ekitiké had been on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Arsenal.

Despite multiple suitors, Ekitiké had one clear preference and reportedly told close contacts that Anfield was his top choice.

That determination proved crucial as talks accelerated in recent days. With personal terms swiftly agreed, only the fee remained, but that has also now been cleared. Fabrice Hawkins confirms the contract will run until 2031, showing Liverpool’s long-term faith in the player.

While many expected the Reds to pursue more established names like Osimhen, their bet on Ekitiké signals a new direction: one focused on future-proofing the attack, even if it means paying €20m more than what Napoli would have taken for the Super Eagles star.