Behind The Scene As Liverpool Strikes £79m Deal To Sign On Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool fans have waited all summer for a marquee moment. It came on Monday night, and it’s a big one.

The club has reached a £79 million agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike, the 22-year-old French forward widely regarded as one of Europe’s most complete attacking talents.

Ekitike’s arrival marks the clearest sign yet that the Arne Slot era is about evolution.

With Roberto Firmino gone, Sadio Mané a distant memory, and questions swirling around Mohamed Salah’s future, Liverpool are pressing reset on their frontline, and the Ekitike signing seems to be the cornerstone.

Tall, two-footed, and tactically intelligent, Ekitike doubles as a solid striker and a system player the kind Arne Slot cherishes. At Frankfurt last season, he tallied 17 goals and 6 assists in all competitions, operating fluidly across the front three and often dropping into midfield to link play.

His movement is reminiscent of peak Firmino, but with a more direct pace. His finishing has improved under Bundesliga pressure, and at just 22, his ceiling is sky-high. At €92m (£79m), Liverpool is betting big, then.

For many fans glued to either the SS Premier League (DStv channel 203), the SS LaLiga (DStv channel 204), or the SS Football (DStv channel 205), Ekitike has been a quiet revelation, often catching the eye during Frankfurt’s Europa League nights—and now, those highlight reels are headed to Anfield.

When Slot took over, questions quickly emerged about how his 4-2-3-1 or inverted 4-3-3 system would mesh with a squad still stylistically shaped by Jürgen Klopp. Ekitike may just be the answer. His ability to lead a high press, receive on the turn, and drift wide when needed gives Liverpool flexibility and depth.

Pairing him with Gakpo and Núñez offers Slot the chance to rotate based on opposition structure. Against low blocks? Start Ekitike and Gakpo. Chasing a game? Throw on Núñez for chaos. Salah’s potential departure to Saudi Arabia remains a variable, but Liverpool’s summer moves suggest they’re planning beyond him.

A £79m fee makes Ekitike one of the most expensive players in Liverpool history, raising eyebrows. But in a market where Chelsea are offering £95m for Xavi Simons, and Arsenal are lining up £110m for Florian Wirtz, Liverpool know standing still is regression.

This deal is a calculated risk. Frankfurt, which originally signed Ekitike for less than £20m, stands to gain massively. But Liverpool, with Michael Edwards back in an advisory role, appears convinced that Ekitike’s trajectory aligns with the club’s next chapter.

His debut Premier League game is going to be available via DStv Stream and broadcast live on SuperSport channels 202–206 (DStv Nigeria).